HomeMy WebLinkAboutre: wetland buffer ordinance-2008 ��
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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).
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4. A schedule of activities that are part of the management and maintenance for the :
establishment of vegetation in the buffer shaif be provided.
Survey Requirements
The current lot certificate displays the buffer adequately. Some survey work will be necessary
to provide a legal description for the upslope edge af the buffer to be used in the Restrictions :
and Covenants.
Restriction and Covenant for Wetland and Buffer
Per Section 78-1611 of the wetland ordinance the owner shall record Restriction and
Covenants over the wetland and buffer with the property chain of title. A form with the
language for the Restriction and Covenants is available from the City.
Wetiand Buffer Markers
Formal buffer markers are not required for the proposed activity under the Ordinance, however -
it is recommended that the buffer is marked by the applicant so they tan be avoidetl during
native vegetation deveEopment and for review during the vegetation establishment period
(approx. 2 years}.
Treatment Requirements
The buffer will provide adequate treatment for the proposed use of the properry,
Recommendations
It is recommended that this applicatifln not be approved until issues presented in this memo are
addressed. An estrow amount for the buffer will be developed after the landscape and
management plan is submitted.
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