08-22-2005 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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TO=T5=a0B5 —CTTTT MCWD implemenlii managetnent strategies througlioui the wattirshcd to attempt to balance the impacts of human action upon the environment and water resources. These include capital improvements such as wetland restorations, programs such as studies and natural resource inventories, planning, educational programs, grant programs, administration of a regulatory program, and coordination with local municipaiitiBs in partnership to achieve mutual goals. Over time, MCWD has developed strong relationships with the residents, elected officials and staff of the City of Orono. MCWD looira forward to continuing such relationships in the future for the benefit of the residents of MCWD and the water resources we share. In review of the proposed Wetland Ordinance, it is of particular importance to note the current role of MCWD in die munagement within the City of Otono and the projected role of the agency in the future: I. Wetland Conservation Act. Local Government Unit: MCWD is cunently designated as the Local Government Unit (LGU) for the administration of die Wetland ConservetioD Act (WCA) within the City. The LGU is charged with making key determinations and WCA>related decisions as outlined in Minnesota Rules 8420. As the City of Orono is aware, it may assume this reigKmsibility in the future if it so ohoosea, however diis is a service which MCWD gladly provides to many of its communities. 2. MCWD Functional Assessment of Wetlands 120031 : MCWD recently completed a functioual assessment of all of the wedtnds widiin its boundaries above 0.25-acres (10,890 square feet) in size. For each wetland, this study provides Odd data associated with approximate wetland size, function and value using the best available scientific data. The City of Orono wetland inventory currently utilizes this data. The FAW will require periodic updating in order to remain current and effective. An update and review will likely occur prior to 2008. 3. MCWD Comprehensive Plan Revisions: MCWD b cuirently revising its Comprehensivu Water Resources Management Plen. It b the intent of MCWD to complete these revisions by the end of 2005. The revised Comprehensive Plan will provide a fi-^work for the implementation of MCWD Goals, Objectives and Management Strategies over the course of th^ coming tcn*yenrperiod (2007-2017). Through thb pl^ ^*CWD will (MMure the integration of various components of its i^rerations including planning, land conservation, capital improvements and the regulatory program to achieve its goals. The revised Comprehensive Plan will provide a fiamework fbr revision to regulatory Rules (see below). 4. MCWD Rules Revisions: Following adoption of the revised Comprehensive Plan, MCWD will revise its regulatory Rules to conform with the implementation strategies identified in the plan. This includes both Welland Protection (establishing bulTcia, Rule D) and Stormwater i