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