01/14/2009 - memo re: wetland buffer ord.

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Oct/167TA Memorandum' Bonestroo To: Melanie Curtis Project: 4701 West Branch Road Date: 1/14/2009 2335 Highway 36 W St.Paul,MN 55113 From: John Smyth Client: City or Orono Tel 651-636-4600 Fax 651-636-1311 Re: Wetland Buffer Ordinance File No: 139GEN Plat www.bonestroo.com Remarks: The proposed project involves the removal of a principal structure and reconstruction on the same property and thus per Section 78-1601 (C)3 of the Orono Wetland Ordinance a wetland buffer will be required. There is one wetland located within the property. The wetland is classified as a manage 2 which requires a 25 foot buffer and 20 foot setback from the buffer. A wetland delineation has not been completed on this property so the exact location of the buffer and setback cannot be determined at this time. A review of the aerial combined with the survey indicates the wetland is at least 55 feet from the proposed structure which will allow the proposed building to be in compliance with the buffer and setback requirements. More information is required before this proposed project can be considered to be in compliance with the City Wetland Ordinance. Buffer Condition and Requirements Due to snow covering the vegetation a site evaluation to determine the condition of the buffer vegetation cannot be completed at this time. This will need to take place during the growing season. The aerial photograph indicates that there is likely areas of turf grass within the buffer. There is also a portion of the buffer that appears to be wooded. If the wooded areas of the buffer include buckthorn,garlic mustard or other invasive species they will be considered to have undesirable plant species. Per Div.3 Sec.78-1605(2)(a)the undesirable plant species will need to be removed and replaced with native vegetation. Exact requirements for the buffer cannot be determined at this time however,It is anticipated that the applicant will likely need to complete the following: The applicant will need to provide a Management/Landscaping plan that includes the following: 1. Method of establishing native vegetation in the buffer that is turf. (MN BWSR Web Site —Publication: "Restoring&Managing Native Wetland and Upland Vegetation"source for options). 2. Species proposed to be seeded or planted.According to the ordinance Div.3 Sec.78- 1605(3)the seed mix must contain at least 12 pounds(PLS)per acre of native prairie grass seed and 5 pounds(PLS)per acre of native wildflower seed. Native prairie grass and native forb mixes shall contain no fewer than four(4)and five(5)species