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� Replace cut buckthorn areas with appropriate, local ecotype native vegetation. This may include
<br /> upland shrubs(e.g.,wild plum),wetland edge shrubs(e.g.,red-twig dogwood),and native grasses
<br /> and wildflowers.
<br /> • Plant appropriate,local ecotype native trees,shrubs,grasses, and wildflowers to restore native
<br /> Maple-Basswood Forest to Outlot B. This would expand the preserved forest to the east,rnaking
<br /> a larger block of contiguous canopy cover.
<br /> Wetland Preservation-While the quality of the on-site wetland is not high,it still has value and performs
<br /> important ecological services(e.g.,infiltrarion,evapotranspiration,filhation, floodwater storage,etc.).
<br /> Based on the site plan,some wetland impacts are proposed below the de minimus area; therefore,no
<br /> replacement is proposed. Recommendations for wetland preservation include:
<br /> s Eliminate the fill proposed on the south side of the on-site wetland.
<br /> • Shift the proposed home on Lot 8 to the north,which should result in less wetland fill.
<br /> Wetland Enhancement and Exnansion-Due to the poor quality of the existing wetland,there are
<br /> opportuniries to improve the ecological health of this habitat and enhance its aesthetics. The site°s
<br /> wetlands are situated on the westem portion of the site,near Willow Drive. Enhancing these locations
<br /> would provide an amactive amenity for the development to be enjoyed by both residents and passers-by.
<br /> Our recommendations for wetland enhancement include:
<br /> m Remove all non-native vegetation(e.g.,mostly reed canary grass). 'Y'his should be done using
<br /> appropriate methods(e.g.,using an aquatic-approved herbicide,such as Rodeo).
<br /> � Seed and/or plant areas where reed canary grass was removed with appropriate, local ecotype
<br /> native vegetation(e.g.,arrowhead,mazsh milkweed, golden Alexanders,New England aster,fox
<br /> sedge,water planta.in,river bulrush,wool grass,iris).
<br /> � Provide wetland replacement in low-lying areas that already require grading for site construction.
<br /> Seed and/or plant these areas to expand the natuxal wetland areas on the sate.
<br /> Ve�etated Buffer Es�ablishment-Vegetated buffers can provide many ecological and aesthetic benefits
<br /> including stormwater management,wildlife habitat,and visual screening. Generally,the wider the buffer,
<br /> the greater the benefits. �uffers are particularly important around wetlands for water quality protection.
<br /> Vegetated buffers should be established by removing non-native or invasive plant species and re-planting
<br /> with appropriate,local ecotype perennial native spec�es. Selecting the appropriate species depends or�the
<br /> soil,moisture regime, amount of sunlight,adjacent vegetation,and aesthetic desires.
<br /> Stormwater Mana eg ment-�ne of the most importarflt conservation oppoatunities at the site is to pravid�
<br /> fox ecologically souaid stormwater manage�ent. Stormwater ma.aiagement is ibnportant ta protect the
<br /> existing on-site wetland as well as downstream receiving waters,including Long Lake and L,ake
<br /> Minnetonka. Protecrion of aquatic resowrces often requires techniques beyond or in place of standarcY
<br /> curb and gutter collection systems and storaxiwater ponds. '�'he proposed plan provides for rear-lot swales
<br /> to convey runoff into treahnent ponds. Recommendations for additi�nal st�rmwater management
<br /> techniques include:
<br /> � Minimize impervious surfaces throughout the development. This can be accomplished by using
<br /> nara�ower streets and limiting roof,drive�ay,and other hard surFace areas on individual lots.
<br /> � Employ rain gardens or other types of infiltration systems where appropriate. 'This requires a
<br /> source of water and slopes that allow for gravity flow of runaff into management areas.
<br /> 1�/danagement a�eas preferably have upland soils with higher in$`iltration rates. 'These types of soils
<br /> exist on the site. Raiaz gardens can be located and designed to intercept and manage runaff from
<br /> individual lots,ged�.cing the ea�acity requi�e�by otfl�er st��nvvater manage�a�ng areas�n th��it�.
<br /> Aaa infiltra�ion forebay may d�e apprapriate it�Outloi!�to provid�infiltratioa�opporttsnaties prior
<br /> to overflowing anto the propos�d st�rmwater po�ad. This approac�can result ira no�only snaaller
<br /> 0509?8:111805 � �9f 4 Glendale Cove
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