Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/05/2007

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Exhibit 1 Ramsey's Wetland Buffer Ordinance In an effort to provide added protection for wetlands and ultimately, the water that we consume, wetland buffers are now required on all lots in the City of Ramsey created after November 14, 2005 that contain or are adjacent to a wetland. The required width of a buffer strip can range from five (5) to fifty (50) feet depending on the overall quality of the wetland. Higher quality wetlands require wider buffers than impacted or degraded wetlands. Existing natural vegetation is preferred for wetland buffers. This can include trees, shrubs, and/or perennial grasses-usually some combination of all three. If there is not acceptable natural vegetation when a lot is developed, then the buffer area must be established using an appropriate seed mix (acceptable mixes can be found in Chapter 3 of MNDOTs "Guidelines for Restoring & Managing Native Wetland Vegetation" httv://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/wetlands/vublications/nativewetveg.vdfJ. Wetland buffer signs that identify the boundary of a buffer are required. Restrictions While buffer strips may be part of an individual lot, some activities within a buffer area are restricted to ensure the buffer's effectiveness. However, certain activities may be permitted with a City-approved buffer management plan. The following are restricted activities within a buffer: . Mowing . Cutting of woody vegetation (excluding invasive non-native trees and shrubs) . Filling, grading and excavating . Disposal of vegetative waste . Placement of structures . Herbicide applications The complete ordinance can be found at www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/Documents/Commdev/Planning/9.26.pdf. Questions concerning wetland buffer regulations can be directed to the City of Ramsey's Community Development department at 763-427-1410. Ramsey's Four Management Classifications of Wetlands The city of Ramsey has experienced a wide variety of development over the generations that has impacted some wetlands significantly and others minimally. Wetlands in Ramsey provide a wide variety of plant and wildlife, including fish, habitats. Because there is so much variation, the City of Ramsey determined that it was important and beneficial to categorize wetlands based on their functions and values for purposes of creating relative levels of protection. Preserve Preserve wetlands are pristine or near-pristine wetlands that typically are rated "exceptional" for vegetative diversity/integrity and wildlife habitat value. The existing functions and values of such wetlands are to be maintained without change and strict impact avoidance will typically be required. Active management may be necessary to protect unique resources