09-12-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The purpose and intent of this conservation design is to meet the goals of the City of Orono's Environmental Protection and natural Resource Management as specified in the Community Management Plan (CMP). In general, these goals pertain to water quality, wetland protection, and preservation and the enhancement of the "rural character" of the City. Emphasis is also placed on the preservation of open spaces in Orono. These open areas include, but are not limited to, woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Additionally, the City of Orono's Zoning Code further describes the Intent of the conservation design as to reinforce and establish ecological connections throughout the City and preserve and Improve the aesthetic views of Orono. Subcategories that are listed within the Environmental Protection section of the CMP help to detail more specific Individual goals and guidelines which can be related to the overall goals listed above. Pertinent to this project, the subcategories emphasize development densities, which require no less than two acres per one home. This regulation Is enforced in order to maintain the historic Identity and character of Orono. Low density developments will assist with the preservation of open spaces and, from a sewer and water systems standpoint, will protect groundwater and surrounding lakes and other surface waters. It is also emphasized that the primary method of sewage treatment and disposal will be used through municipal sanitary systems. Goals for Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Management as specified in the Community Management Plan pertain to water quality and wetland protection and preservation and enhancement of the "rural character" of the City. Seven lots, one outlout, and a wetland conservation easement are proposed for the 3.67 acre site. The proposed lots range in size from 0.18 to 0.38 acres and the outlot Is proposed to be 0.35 acres. Homes will be situated such that there will be negligible effect on the existing trees with five of the seven proposed homes placed within a clear-cut area that occurred In 2012. According to the proposed construction plans on Figure 3, Lots 6 and 7 will impact a portion of Tree Stand Area 1, shown on Figure 1. Area 1 is a low quality tree stand dominated by green ash and boxelder. It is currently proposed that 13 trees (all green ash and boxelder) will be impacted by the home and driveway of lot 6 and 16 trees (75% green ash and boxelder, 25% hackberry and American elm) will be impacted by the home and driveway of Lot 7. Wetland impacts will be avoided altogether and buffers around them will be implemented. The existing landscape Is a mixture of grassland, wetland, scattered trees, and small woodlots. The north portion of the project area was clear-cut In 2012, and has since been taken over by herbaceous species and woody shrubs. The open grassland area Is now dominated by goldenrod, bull and Canada thistle, smooth brome, stinging nettle, milkweed, burdock, and ground Ivy. The young trees and shrubs that are dominating the open clear-cut area are buckthorn and sumac. Shadywood Villas Conservation resign Page 1