Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/08/2007

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Exhibit 2 Manae:e 1 Manage I wetlands are not pristine or near-pristine but exhibit minimal diminution of functions and values. Manage 1 wetlands are typically rated "high" for vegetative diversity/integrity and wildlife habitat value. The functions and values of Manage 1 wetlands are to be maintained without degradation and adverse impacts avoided whenever possible. Manae:e 2 Manage 2 wetlands exhibit evidence of substantial degradations but have the potential to be restored to Manage 1 status. Manage 2 wetlands are typically rated "medium" for vegetative diversity/integrity and wildlife habitat value. Impacts to the functions and values may generally be replaced following the proper application of "sequencing." Manae:e 3 Manage 3 wetlands are highly degraded and exhibit minimal wetland functions and values. Such wetlands are typically rated "low" for vegetative diversity/integrity and wildlife habitat value. Sequencing flexibility would often apply to such wetlands. References: Minnesota Routine Assessment Method for Evaluating Wetland Functions, Version 3.0 What can be done if a Wetland or a Wetland Buffer has been Damaged or Destroyed? Minnesota has lost over 52 percent of our original wetlands due to development. Wetlands were drained and filled to make way for houses, roads and farmland. Of the 13.1 million acres of wetlands remaining, only 3.3 million acres are regulated by the DNR. Conserving these valuable parts of our environment is everybody's job because everybody benefits from them. If there is a concern regarding damage to, or illegal activities within a wetland buffer area, please contact the City of Ramsey. For concerns regarding illegal activities within a wetland itself, such as draining, filling or altering, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) should be contacted. As of December 1, 2006 the DNR Wetland Enforcement Officer is Martin Book, who can be reached at 763-689-4669 or martv.book@dnr.state.mn.us. Wetlands & Wetland Buffers Do's & Don'ts Guidelines for Private and Public Landowners Wetland habitats are integrally connected to the health and ecology of our environment. Wetlands also help improve water quality. Protection of wetland habitat is critical. Proper management, however, depends not only on maintaining the integrity of the wetland but also on controlling activities in the wetland buffer around it. These management issues can be considered in four broad categories.