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2580 Fox Street- Neighbor <br /> Letter <br /> February 13, 2020 <br /> Jamin and Maria Marks <br /> 2580 Fox Street <br /> Orono, MN 55391 <br /> City of Orono <br /> Re. Notice for Comment—Wetlands Excavation Project, 505 Willow Drive, Orono, MN <br /> Members of the Orono City Planning Commission, <br /> As neighboring property owners,we write to express our concern over the large proposed wetlands <br /> excavation project for the property at 505 Willow Drive South, (postcard#LA20-000008, prior <br /> communications#GLA20-000001). This project is being pursued via a Wetland Exemption request for <br /> waterfowl/wildlife habitat. However, we have concerns as to the underlying intended purpose for this <br /> large pond and the lack of clarity on means for ensuring preservation of the wetlands integrity in usage <br /> of this excavation once the project is complete. <br /> We do not believe the original nor the revised plan for the large pond to be within the Construction <br /> Guidelines for establishing wildlife habitat as communicated through BWSR and have high degree of <br /> suspicion for intent of this wetlands modification given prior patterns of land use and lack of <br /> preservation of natural environs including grassy areas expansion, introductions of feature in wetland <br /> without permit, light and motorized implement usage, clearing of trees in wetland buffer with large <br /> equipment without permit, lack of observed exploration/interest in adjacent wetland areas, lack of <br /> visibility of proposed wildlife habitat from residence if intended for observation purposes. We have <br /> concern that the large pond will rather be used as a recreational feature with strong potential for <br /> mechanized equipment and accessory structure construction and placement within the wetlands. <br /> (Please compare the original and revised plan documents to the Construction Guidelines for excavated <br /> ponds for wildlife.) <br /> https:www.dnr.state.mn.us/excavatedponds/guidelines.html. <br /> Further,we have not had consistent or thorough response to our stated concerns related to mosquito <br /> population and algae control and related disease prevention measures; hydrology impacts to <br /> surrounding wetlands; limitations for recreational uses and unnatural introductions into the wetland; <br /> and precedent departure from the true protections of Orono's remaining natural wetlands and open <br /> spaces. To date, no agency has represented willingness to speak to approved usage and regulation of <br /> such to include activities such as stocking for fishing, hunting activities,watercraft (motorized and/or <br /> non-motorized), use of natural resources for artificial maintenance of desired aesthetic, etc.such as <br /> filling or recirculating water. We are concerned that as planned,there are details lacking that will not be <br />