Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 07/23/2007

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Chairperson McDilda stated other challenges would present themselves, when looking at Preserve and Manage I, as far as how they changed in their functional value when the ground-truthing was done. He stated that a twenty (20%) percent change required validating the process. The City needs to hear from Bolton & Menk, Inc. that this is a process that takes place. They actually have to visually see what exists first in order to assess what type of wetland exists. He requested of Bolton and Menk, Inc. that the City continue to hear about these things as the ground-truthing is documented. Board Member Max asked if the map that was recently ratified would be altered or amended. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated it would have to be amended to reflect the , ' ground-truthing of these wetlands. Mr. Douglas explained that now there will be a new map with a baseline. Because of their study they've found out what Ramsey really has. In ten years if it's changed significantly from now, hopefully the City will have buffers in place and things to protect the wetlands. Board Member Max asked if there is something that can be done with some key wetlands to monitor preservation. Mr. Douglas stated that the City might want to have a program to send someone on staff to look at the pristine wetlands that were reviewed, at least on a two-year basis if not on an annual basis. If then there is a very dry year with in which reed canary grass or other invasive species try to establish themselves, preventative measures may be taken to eradicate the situation before the wetland degrades or potential disappears. Board Member Max asked if there is a protocol to follow for a biological and water quality assessment with a checklist against a database. Mr. Javens stated the City has the MNRAM database for each wetland, which includes predominant vegetation that was viewed. Each wetland was not completely walked around. MNRAM approaches it as a whole to be viewed as one area. That would be a baseline for each wetland when MNRAM is set up and accessible. Board Member Max asked if invertebrates were listed in the MNRAM assessment. Mr. Douglas responded that wildlife was recorded if it was seen while they were there. Mr. Douglas stated the Westwood Plan listed the definition of what makes it a Preserve. The plan describes about six or seven bulleted criteria. The critical requirements for the Preserve are listed as exceptional vegetative diversity; exceptional for wildlife habitat; high for amphibian habitat; exceptional for fish habitat; rated high for shoreline protection; exceptional for aesthetics, educational, recreational, and cultural; rated high for wildlife habitat; exceptional sensitivity to storm water impact and vegetative diversity. Arrowheads, reed canary grass, and cattails should be looked for. Environmental Policy Board/July 23, 2007 Page 4 of 16