08/03/2011 - memo re: wetland buffer compl check

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Memorandum , r Bonestroo 2335 Highway 36 W St.Paul,MN 55113 To: Christine Mattson, Project: 4701 West Branch Date: 8-3-11 Tel 651-636-4600 Melanie Curtis Road Fax 651-636-1311 From: John Smyth Client: City of Orono www.bonestroo.com Re: Wetland Buffer Compliance Check File No.: 139-09000 This memo restates what was in the original 1/14/09 memo but provides a few updates due to snow cover at the time of the original site visit. The site visit was made July 22, 2011. Photo documentation of the buffer from the site visit is included with this memo. 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. Buffer Condition and Requirements A wood chip trail currently exists within the buffer. This trail will likely require a conditional use permit from the City. This should be verified with City Planner. Most of the buffer is wooded. The site may have areas of turf grass within the buffer. This will be verified once an approved wetland delineation is completed. If there is turf grass within the buffer it will need to be removed and replaces with native vegetation. The wooded areas of the buffer include buckthorn and may include garlic mustard and other invasive species that are considered undesirable plant species per the code. Per Div. 3 Sec. 78-1605 (2) (a) the undesirable plant species will need to be removed and replaced with native vegetation. 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 respectively (MN BWSR Web Site— Publication: "Restoring & Managing Native Wetland and Upland Vegetation"source for options). 3. A schedule of activities that are part of the management and maintenance for the establishment of vegetation in the buffer shall be provided. K:\139\13909000\Wetland Ordinance Compliance 2009\4701 West Branch Road\JS_Melaine and Christine^Memorandum Compliance Check 8-3-11.docx [TNS 06-2010] Page 1 of 4