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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MINUTES FOR APRIL 28,1997 <br />(#14 - Spring Hill Golf Club - Continued) <br />Bill Johnson, DNR Office of Planning Environmental Review Section, commented that while <br />documenting losses with this proposal, it is also an opportunity to look at gains. Habitat may <br />improve for some species and there may be opportunities for restoration of wetlands. At this <br />point, the DNR does not feel there is enough detail provided. <br />Jabbour asked what the applicant or the City could do, short of an EIS, to achieve the mutual <br />goal.*: of the City and DNR. <br />Johnson responded that in evaluating the information, they would look to see that what is <br />proposed actually provides the best mix so that it maximizes what could be there for the habitat <br />that remains. <br />Crosby stated that he has talked with Johnson and felt that one of the elements the DNR was <br />looking for was to set a baseline of what exists today which could be compared in 10-20 years to <br />see ^^at effects have taken place. <br />Jabbour asked if the applicants felt they were in a position to provide the DNR with the <br />information they are requesting. <br />Crosby responded that to get a total inventory, each of the four seasons would have to be <br />inventoried. An inventory of this property would be similar to Wood Rill. Braman added that a <br />one month period would be required to complete such an inventory. <br />Jabbour stressed that Orono is very concerned about the Big Woods and currently doesn't have <br />the tools to preserve the trees. <br />Flint asked Braman if the one month process was just a baseline inventory or if it would include <br />an evaluation of ways to cut down the impact on the Big Woods. Braman responded that it <br />would be more of an inventory. If the golf course were constructed, approximately 21 acres of <br />the Big Woods would be gone with its habitat. There are plans to plant additional trees but they <br />will not replace the Big Woods and it will take 50 years to see the impact. Although large <br />portions will be retained, there will be an overall loss of function. 60-120 trees will remain. <br />Archaeologists have also been on site to identify historical issues. <br />Jack noted that this inventory would not be a redesign of the golf course. He added that several <br />iterations have already been reviewed trying to lessen the impact on the Big Woods and still <br />maintain the integrity of the golf course. <br />I <br />4