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over half of the money we spent with our landscaping), we knew it was a long-term investment and <br /> ultimately necessary to address and mitigate continuous erosion concerns over time given the severe <br /> grade of the area and ultimately ensure the integrity of the surrounding wetland. In construction of the <br /> wall and related landscaping items, we were meticulous in our efforts to make sure all work was done <br /> inside the silt fence designated by the MCWD as our'boundary'for landscaping with minimal impact on <br /> trees and surrounding vegetation. We also specifically chose to use natural boulders vs. manufactured <br /> block, railroad ties or other non-natural materials in an effort again to help the natural integrity of the <br /> surrounding area. <br /> In summary, we hope that the included background and information, subsequent Appendices and <br /> corresponding pictures help convey the fact that our actions and the work we did was with genuine and <br /> the best of intensions. This is the first house either my wife or I have owned. We moved to Orono to <br /> raise our family based on the reputation of the education system and desire to be part of a smaller and <br /> tighter knit community. Our goal was to make our yard as functional as possible while addressing the <br /> steep grade within the parameters given by the MCWD, while making a concerted effort to protect the <br /> trees and surrounding natural/wetland areas as well. We believe overall that the wall improves the site, <br /> serving as delineator better protecting the integrity of the surrounding Wetland Buffer and Buffer <br /> Replacement areas. We truly look at this as our `forever house' and upon moving into our home in <br /> February,all of the improvements or things we have done have been with that mindset. <br /> Recommendation: <br /> Given the background and sincere intent of our actions, we are asking for approval of a Conditional Use <br /> Permit or Encroachment Agreement for the wall, for which we are willing to pay any related Permit <br /> Application Fees. We will also work with the MCWD on a cost effective compromise with seeding <br /> natural grasses and vegetation in agreed upon locations within the Wetland Buffer and Buffer <br /> Replacement areas as well as explore other alternatives to help improve these areas such as buckthorn <br /> removal,etc. <br /> Thank you for your time and consideration. <br /> Jill and Casey Hoehn <br /> Apqendices• <br /> Appendix A— <br /> Map provided by the City illustrating the approximate location of the wall <br /> Appendix 8— <br /> Using the Wetland Buffer map provided by the City,we illustrated the approximate location of <br /> the wall on this map for reference (to help convey the minimal impact of the wall into the <br /> overall Buffer and Buffer Replacement areas). Also, according to the Title Documents for our <br /> property, the required Wetland Buffer required is 25 feet (vs. the 35 feet listed on this map). <br /> So,taking into account 25 feet,and doing a measurement from the closest part of the wall to <br /> the wetland boundary delineation flags, there is still a 22 foot buffer. We've also illustrated <br /> this(approximately)as well in red on the map. <br /> Appendix C— <br /> This is email correspondence with a representative at the MCWD responding to the email we <br /> sent upon receiving communication from the City asking us to remove the wall including <br />