04-28-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Response: Wetland buffers between 16.5 and 35 ft. are being maintained except in wetland impact areas (7 basins out of 21 total). Maintaining buffers on wetland fill areas would require filling additional wetland to create the buffer. Total wetland impacts are 1.45 acres out of 23.6 total wetland acres. An additional upland buffer of 0.64 acres of Big Woods is being preserved at the southeast portion of basin 17. The buffer Eireas will maintain the riparian and upland vegetation, including the mature hardwoods. Restoration of wetlands by blocking of the drainage ditches will increase water levels by up to 1.5 feet. The drainage ditches were created in the 1930's or 1940's, and occur throughout the Big Woods and the rest of the property. In addition to partially restoring these wetlands to their pre-ditched condition, the weirs will delay nmoff which will improve water quality and provide better aquatic habitat. Restoring these water levels will enhance habitat especially for amphibians as it will create more stable water regimes necessary for more consistent reproduction. Compared to a subdivision and th** accompanying road networks, amphibian species in particular will be at much less risk of being killed during migration. 4.Comment: “...the EAW should indicate that the project results in a net loss of high quality habitat. Species that use the site now will be forced to compete on what (if any) suitable habitat that remains, or will be displaced offsite to neighboring areas. The ensuing competition with populations already in place will eventually result in an overall population decline. Therefore, project-related habitat losses result in project-related wildlife losses. (DNR letter 4/9/97, page 4) Response: The Big Woods remnant is rated as medium quality (BC) by the DNR. As stated in the EAW, 45.56 wooded acres and 24.6 wetland acres will remain on the property after construction. There is no question that much habitat for the species currently on the property will remain. Many stands of trees will remain undisturbed, and an effort has been made to maintain corridors of woods to facilitate wildlife movement. 5.Comment: “Regarding potential fishery impacts to Long Lake, Item 1 la is incomplete because it does not discuss how fish resources would be affected by the project nor is any discussion offered on how impacts can be avoided or minimized.” (DNR letter 4/9/97, page 4) Response: There are no impacts anticipated on fish resources in Long Lake. Runoff will be treated prior to leaving the site. And nutrient loading is anticipated to be less than current conditions. See Items 12 (Physical Impacts on Water Resources) and 18 (Water Quality) Item 18 6. Comment: “It is unclear from the information provided in Item 18, Surface Water Runoff, and Table 2, Long Lake Nutrient Loading Budget, whether the project will change the quality of this fishery'. Will the project diminish the habitat value of Long