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the area results in wildlife at the site that are accustomed to frequent <br />disturbance. <br />Rare/Endangered Species: The DNR Natural Heritage Database was consulted <br />to determine if rare or endangered species are present in the area. The <br />information from the DNR is included in Appendix B. Based on this information, <br />loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) was documented nesting within a one <br />mile radius of the project area in 1996. The loggerhead shrike is astate-listed <br />threatened bird species that prefers dry upland prairie or open grassland with <br />scattered hedgerows, shrubs, and small trees. With the agricultural areas being <br />planted in grasses and the adjoining trees associated with the windbreaks within <br />the study area, this area could be suitable for loggerhead shrike. <br />The DNR also noted that the black sandshell (Ligumia recta), astate-listed <br />mussel of special concern, has been documented in the Mississippi River. <br />Mussels can be affected by changes in water flow or water quality. <br />The US Fish and Wildlife Service was also contacted regarding federally <br />' threatened and endangered species. There are no federally threatened or <br />endangered species within or near the study area. <br />' • Surrounding Resources: The surrounding areas consist mainly of additional <br />agricultural and residential uses. The area north and east of the study area <br />contains sites of biodiversity significance rated as moderate and below by the <br />' DNR's County Biological Survey (see Figure 11-2). The historic Kelley Farm is <br />located south of the study area and contains a significant amount of oak <br />' communities and planted prairie, although these resources are of poor to <br />moderate quality. <br />Scenario 1 <br />This scenario allows for agricultural research to remain with 75 acres of the study <br />area and open space to remain for 14-21 (woods and wetlands) acres of the study <br />' area. The remaining area would develop into highway commercial, light industrial, <br />and a small area of rural residential. <br />With this scenario, a portion of the wooded areas that provide wind breaks would <br />remain (Area 4, Figure 10-1). This would leave a portion of the potentially suitable <br />loggerhead shrike habitat within the study area. The oak forest (Area 1) and <br />degraded wooded area (Area 2) would likely be removed in part or in entirety. Most <br />of the wooded area in Area 3 would remain. Based on state and federal <br />requirements, the wetlands would likely remain intact with some anticipated <br />impact and resulting mitigation. There would be opportunities to create habitat <br />with storm water management requirements as part of development. While the <br />existing conditions provide some habitat, the habitat provided is not significant and <br />development of this scenario would be anticipated to have minimal impact on fish <br />and wildlife habitat. The areas of biodiversity significant (Figure 11-2) would not <br />be impacted by development in the study area. <br />City of Elk River <br />Draft Alternative Urban Areawide Review <br />August 2011 <br />Page 29 of 90 <br />