02-10-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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» • i S| i“0' ‘5 N Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 5(H) Lafayctlc Road Si. Paul. Minnesota 55155-40__ November 25, 1996 Marshal Braman Schoell & Madson, Inc. 10580 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 1 Minnetonka, Minnesota 55306 Re: Known locations of rare features in the vicinity of a proposed golf course within the cities of Orono and Medina (T118N R23W E section 26 and SW section 25) Dear Mr. Braman: The Minnesota Natural Heritage database has been reviewed to determine if any rare plant or animal species or other significant naniral feamres are known to occur within an approximate one-mile radius of the above referenced project. A print-out with the results of this search in full record format is enclosed; an explanation is attached. Three high quality maple-basswood forest communities are located within the vicinity of the proposed project. This forest type, also known as the Big Woods, covered almost one-half of Hennepin County prior to European settlement. Today, less than 1% of the acreage present in 1850 remains. Two of the forests have been designated as Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA); Wolsfeld Woods SNA is located west of the project area and Wood-Rill SNA is located south/southeast. As Scientific and Natural Areas, these sites receive the highest level of protection in the state. No impacts are anticipated from the proposed golf course. However, it is recommended that precautions be taken to avoid disturbance to these sites from activities during the construction phase. The Uiird maple-basswood forest is located adjacent to the northernmost extension of the proposed course in section 26. Fragmentation of forests in the metropolitan area has resulted in loss of habitat for breeding woodland warblers, including the Louisiana waterthrush. a state designated special concern species, as well as other forest songbirds. Additional woodland plants and animals are also being impacted by forest loss and fragmentation. Therefore, it is recommended that actions to minimize dismrbance to this forest as well as any others within the boundaries of the project be incorporated into the project design. A fact sheet on maple-basswood forests in Hennepin County is enclosed for your reference. The Natural Heritage database is maintained by the Natural Heritage Program and the Nongame Wildlife Program, units within the Section of Ecological Services. Department of Natural Resources. It is the most complete source of data on Minnesota ’s rare, endangered, or otherwise significant plant and animal species, plant communities, and other natural features, and is used in l)\K Inlornull.'il: MS'. I SUll 7(>h (lOOO . 1"!: M .S4S4. I-S(lt) \(l I t|lt ll I 'l*' • • ! I I* >m. .1 iMi 1C. . \. ,1.imm-: i Miiiiiiiiiiii H*’. I^•%^ I I