re: wetland buffer ordinance-2008

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�� � `��'k .� �� y�c Memorandum �'eonestroo � To: Evelyn Turner Projea: 460 East Long Lake Road Date: 3/4/2008 2335Highway3bW St.Paul,MN 55113 From: John Smyth Client: City or Orono Te1651-636•4600 fax 651-636-1311 Re; Wetland Buffer Ordinante File No: 139-08000 www.bonestroo.com n Remarks: According to the submitted building plan one wetland has been delineated within the properry boundaries at 460 East Long Lake Road. The wetland is classified as a Manage 1 basin and requires a 35 faot buffer and 20 foot setback from the buffer. The lot certificate dated 2/26108 shows the appropriate buffer antl structural setbacks are met. Buffer Candition and Requirements A site evaluation was completed on 4 March 2008 to determine the condition of the vegetation in the existing upland buffer, Due to snow cover tMe exact species composition within the buffer was not determined however a review of the aerial and observations in the field indicate the buffer is substantiafly turf grass, spoil piles and construction debris fram removal of the existing structures. The southern tip(approximately 30 feet)and the partion of the buffer that is adjacent to Long Lake Road East is existing woodland that has a significant amount of buckthorn. Debris, structures and turf grass will need to be removed from the buffer and seeded or planted to native vegetation. The areas that are currently wooded will need ta have � the buckthorn removed as well as some seeding to become acceptable. The applicant wil{need to provide a Management/landscaping plan that includes the fallowing: 1. Method propased to be used to control bucktharn(MN DNR website source for options). All buckthom�emoval should be done using hand tools as iarge equipment tan further disrupt the wetland buffer. At a minimum buckthorn should be cut and the remaining stems should be treated with an approved herbicide following label instructians. Treating the cut stumps will help prevent regrowth of the buckthorn. - 2. Method of establishing native vegetation in buffer for areas that are currently turf or graded soil from structure removal shall be provided, (MN BWSR Web Site— Publication: "Restoring&Managing Native Wetland and Uplantl Vegetation" source for options). 3, Species proposed to be seeded or planted.According to the ordinance Div. 3 Sec. 78- 1605(3)the seed mix must contain at least 12 pounds{PLS)per acre of native prairie grass seed and 5 pounds(PLS}per acre of native wildflower seed. The grass mixture must contain a minimum of four species while the wildflower mixture must contain a minimum of five species. (MN BWSR Web Site—Publication: "Restoring&Managing Native Wetland and Upland Vegetation" source for options). r