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y <br />The DNR Biological Survey inspected this property on May 31, 1995. It is important to note <br />that no threatened, endangered or special concern species were identified as possibly existing in <br />this Big Woods parcel. <br />Comment: Ms. Borgert of Long Lake comments on bald eagles in the area, “Desirable <br />eagle habitat in locale? Is there a growing eagle population in vicinity to which we must <br />be sensitive?” <br />Response: The DNR Biological Survey inspected this property on May 31, 1995. It is <br />important to note that no threatened, endangered or special concern species were identified as <br />existing in this Big Woods parcel. <br />Comment: Ms. Borgert’s second concern is regarding water contamination due to runoff: <br />“Water contamination (wetlands, lake) from chemical use on golf course, esp. mercury <br />(used to prevent snow mold). No way to monitor/regulate use of chems on private <br />course.” <br />Response: Runoff from the fairways will first come into contact with buffer zones. Weirs will <br />retain water longer before discharging into the existing drainage system. The water will then <br />enter a series of wetlands and eventually the NURP basins before leaving the site. A total of 208 <br />acres of off-site runoff will also be treated in the proposed design. This design is similar to the <br />approach the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District is using to improve water quality and <br />decrease nutrient loading in Long Lake. <br />Mercury based fungicides are no longer produced. The production and use of mercury based <br />fungicides ceased in the early 1990's. <br />Comment: Mr. Richard Krueger, resident of the City of Orono comments, “I urge the <br />cities of Orono and Medina to consider the possibility of facilitating the acquisition of the <br />property, along with the Springhill property, as a nature preserve through a combination <br />of public and private financing. <br />1 also suggest that you ask DNR officials to inspect “Medina 26" in May to insure that <br />there are no endangered plants or animals living on this property” (letter March 20, 1997) <br />Response: City acquisition of the Spring Hill property is financially prohibitive. The applicants <br />have indicated their costs of acquisition of the property are in excess of $5 million. No public or <br />private entity has stepped forward offering funding for acquisition of the property. The owner of <br />the Big Woods parcels in Medina has indicated if the golf course project does not go forward, he <br />expects the property will be sold for residential development or developed by himself for that <br />purpose. He indicates he has no intent to donate the Big Woods property to the DNR nor to <br />grant conservation easements over it.