02-20-2018 Planning Commission Packet

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Southways — 1400 Bracketts Point Road Natural Resources Inventory MLCCS Data Conservation Design Application Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) data, Level 1 assessment shows the site mapped as artificial surfaces and associated areas and planted or cultivated vegetation. The MLCCS Leve 3 assessment shows the site mapped as short grasses and mixed trees, short grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils, and short grasses on upland soils (Figure 2, Appendix B). Field observations indicate plant communities on the site are consistent with these classifications, as the site generally consists of manicured lawn, deciduous shade trees, planted conifers, buildings, and paved areas. Tree Survey A survey of significant trees measuring at least six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) was completed for the property. Significant tree locations, tag numbers, species, and associated tree attributes are presented in Appendix C. Wetland Inventory The property was inspected in the field for wetlands on September 27, 2017. This investigation did not find areas on the site with hydrophytic vegetation or wetland hydrology. Areas mapped as partially hydric and predominantly hydric soils did not support wetlands. A No Wetlands Determination Report was submitted to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on October 13, 2107. MCWD staff reviewed the site in the field on November 7, 2017 and provided a notice of decision documenting concurrence with the no wetlands determination on December 12, 2017. The USACE provided written concurrence that the site does not include aquatic resources subject to USACE jurisdiction on November 27, 2017. Figure 3 documents the no wetlands investigation. The No Wetlands Determination Report and agency concurrence are included in Appendix D. The MCWD wetland management classification for wetland on a neighboring property is shown on Figure 4. Topographic Survey and Existing Drainage Patterns Gronberg & Associates completed a topographic survey of the property. Although the site generally drains to overland to Lake Minnetonka, the southern part of the includes three storm sewer surface inlets that enhance drainage (Figure 3). The existing storm sewers presumably drain to Lake Minnetonka. The topographic survey and existing drainage patterns are shown in Appendix E. Orono Natural Resources Inventory Recommendations The property does not include any areas that are the subject of recommendations set forth in the Orono Natural Resources Inventory. The site does not include conceptual greenways, natural resource corridors, plant communities mapped by the Minnesota DNR Biological Survey, natural areas with potential for rare species, wetlands, or sites to consider for proactive management and protection. The nearest ecologically significant areas and natural resource corridors are shown on Figure 5.