09-14-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Conservation Design Plan Orchard Hills PID 053-3411823440035 2 along the west side of OOR are not conducive to the wooded feel. At the entry point you can see an asphalt walk/bike trail that comes from the north and cuts east into the Stone Ridge Development across OOR. Enclosure moving through the corridor is heavily wooded on the west side with mostly with open views to east with native plantings. As one nears the project entry point, the Stone Ridge Colony sign on the east dominates the intersection as there are no trees close to it in any direction (Pic 89). A native lowland planting area is the backdrop for the sign with a native planting being established and is signed accordingly. The monument sign could be used as a ‘landmark’ in giving directions as it is omnipresent. Across the entry road from the sign, to the South, is a utility building meant to look residential, it is set behind a berm and is not visually obtrusive (Pic104). In general, the views from Orono Orchard Road appear to be positive. Views from Luce Line Trail Walking down the Luce Line Trail corridor one is elevated above the vegetation to the north and south. Looking east there are pockets of evergreens near the bridge (Pic 091). It is dense and made up of mixed deciduous hard and softwood around a wetland, creek area. Nature predominates as homes are ghosted by the leafless vegetation. Once spring growth emerges the homes will disappear (Pic 097). In general, it appears that the views from Luce Line Trail are positive. NATURAL RESOUCES INVENTORY Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) Data The Minnesota Land Cover Classification map indicates that the site consists of emergent and wooded wetland, upland forest, and upland grassland habitats as well as areas of 11-25% impervious cover and 76-100% impervious cover. The M-34X modifiers indicate that the majority of the site rated C (moderate condition natural community) or lower. A M-34X modifier has not been assigned for approximately 1/3 of the site, most of which consists of an emergent wetland habitat. Based on observations made during a 2016 field visit, which was part of the wetland delineation process, this area appears to be dominated by non-native species such as Reed Canary Grass, Hybrid Cattail, and Smooth Brome. The M-34X modifier for this unassigned area is likely a D (poor condition). The proposed project is unlikely to affect the M-34X modifiers within the Subject Property.