03-31-1997 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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m Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155*40 March 3, 1997 received MAR 0 6 1997 q\TV of OROWO Mike Ga^ron City of Orono P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay Minnesota 55323 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. Caffiron: The Minnesota Natural Heritage database was reviewed in November of 1996 determine if any rare plant or animal species or other signiHcant natural features are known to occur within an approximate one-mile radius of the above referenced project. At that time a letter and print-out with the results of the search was sent to Marshall Braman at Schoell & Madson, Inc . • - • Due to new information that has been brought to our attention, the need to comment further on this project is necessary. Three high quality m^ple-basswood forest communities are located within the vicinity of the proposed project and mentioned in the previous letter. Only one of these forest communities is likely to be effected by the proposed golf course development. This maple-basswood forest is located not adjacent to, as previously thought, but within the boundary of the proposed course in section 26. This 40-acre forested tract is a significant remnant of maple-basswood forest. In Hennepin County, only about 1100 acres remain of this particular forest type and it is very important that the few remaining tracts be protected. Fragmentation of forests in the metropolitan area has resulted in loss of habitat for breeding woodland warblers, as well as other forest songbirds. Additional woodland plants and animals are also being impacted by forest loss and fragmentation. Therefore, it is highly recommended and encouraged that actions to preserve the existing community without fragmentation 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 enclos'^d for your reference. We hope that this new information nrovided will be incorporated into any documentation needed for further review of this project V/ e regret the misunderstanding and hope that this additional information will not delay the project pn Thank you for consulting us on this matter, and for your interest in minimizing impacts on ptuine* ii’s rare resources. Please be aware that review by the Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program focuses only on rare natural features. It does not constitute review or approval by the Department of Natural Resources as a whole. DNR Information: 612*296-6157. 1*800*766*6000 • TTY: 612*296*5484. 1*800*657*3929 An Etjual Opponuniiy Employer Who Values Diversity 4fV Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a %m9 Minimum of PoM-Consumer Waste