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Previously KES prepared a Natural Resources Inventory(NRn memo that included a review of <br /> the City of Orono Natural Resources Inventory, a review (and revision) of DNR MLCCS data,a <br /> tree survey, a wetland inventory and assessment of wetland buffers,A MNRAM analysis, and an <br /> Ecological Management Category review. <br /> Two items stood out with this review. First, the woodland located in the southeast portion of the <br /> site was reclassified from an oak forest mesic sub-type to a maple basswood forest(DNR <br /> MLCCS classification versus our on-site assessment). This same area was also identified within <br /> the Orono NRI Conceptual Greenway Corridor Alignment as containing: 1) the potential £or a <br /> high quality natural community, 2) a conceptual greenway corridor, 3) steep sloping soils, and 4) <br /> other natural and semi-natural communities (high and medium quality natural community <br /> remnants also have the potential to support rare species). Based on our on-site assessrnent of this <br /> area we determined that: 1) only a portion of this area(the very southeast corner of this <br /> woodland)would be considered to be high quality, 2)this area will still function as a part of a <br /> greenway corridor even after development, 3) it does contain moderately sloping <br /> soils/topography, and 4)due to field observed encroachment/invasion of invasive species within <br /> the southeast forested area,the presence of rare species is unlikely. <br /> . The wetland present on the site is not of type or quality to qualify for proactive management or <br /> protection. However, Wetland 1 will benefit from the implementation of a wetland buffer and <br /> stormwater protection. <br /> Lastly,the site was assessed for City of Orono Ecological Management Category(EMC) ratings <br /> (City Code Sec. 78-1635(9)(4)), and Figure 6 illustrates observed category areas. Level 1 EMC <br /> areas are associated with wetlands and their buffers. Level 3 EMC areas are suitable for <br /> stormwater management. No Leve12 EMC areas(ecological opportunity areas)were observed <br /> on the site. <br /> Recommendations <br /> Trace amount of invasive/noxious species should be hand pulled at any time of the year and <br /> thrown away, or spot sprayed with glyphosate when native species are dormant(mid-April or <br /> mid-September). Common buckthorn removal should occur wherever common buckthorn is <br /> present on the site and should follow the methods outlined in Appendix E. <br /> The very southeast corner of the site contains a significant tree stand, of which a portion would <br /> be beneficial to preserve. Only that portion of the tree stand that does not include invasive <br /> common buckthorn and diseased elms should be preserved (area outside of the identified <br /> Diseased Tree area shown on Figure 7 of the previous submitted KES memo). This area of the <br /> tree stand contains mature, native trees and provide habitat for animals. This tree area could be <br /> protected under a tree preservation easement. <br /> If possible,the white pine significant tree stand along the western property line could be <br /> protected under a tree preservation easement. � <br />