Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/05/2007

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Exhibit 1 within such wetlands, including high quality native plant communities and, in some cases, state-listed threatened, endangered and/or special concern plant species. Mana2e 1 Manage 1 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. Mana2e 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" (a series or sequence of steps, which is required of a person(s) when proposing to impact a wetland by draining, excavating or filling, that attempts to first avoid any impact to a wetland; second, attempt to minimize the impact; and finally, replace any impacted area with another wetland of equal value and function). Mana2e 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: City of Ramsey Ord #05-27, City Code Section 9.26 (Wetland Protection), www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/Documents/Commdev/Planning/9 .26. pdf Minnesota Routine Assessment Method (MnRAM) 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's Community Development department at 763-427-1410. Contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Enforcement Division at 651-259-5222 for concerns regarding illegal activities within a wetland itself, such as draining, filling or altering.