8.2. SR 11-07-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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potential. Loss and degradation of upland and wetland habitats, road kill and nest predation are large factors in mortality rate and threaten the species. Blanding's turtles nest in sparsely vegetated uplands with well-drained, sandy soils. Females may travel up to one mile overland to their nest site, which makes them vulnerable to predators and road kill. Nest predation is very high and the hatchlings are extremely vulnerable to predators and automobiles. b. Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) The gophersnake is widely distributed throughout the central and western United States, southwestern Canada, and northern Mexico. Most of the Minnesota records of this species are from counties along the Minnesota, Mississippi, and St. Croix rivers. The bull snake is the subspecies usually found in Minnesota and the Great Plains. ,"� _� The primary threat to this species is habitat loss and degradation ;; : from agricultural activities and urban sprawl and lack of fire. a The gophersnake habitat is primarily areas of well-drained, loose sandy and gravel soils, in prairies, open forests (usually pine and oak), pastures, and brushlands. The gophersnake will hibernate in rodent burrows and fissures in bluffs and rock outcrops. The gophersnake feeds on small animals, including rodents, frogs, and ground nesting birds. The federally-listed threatened and state-listed special concern species, the northern long-eared bat can be found throughout Minnesota. The NHIS database does not contain any occurrences of the northern long-eared bat roosts or hibernaculla within one mile of the Site. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adopted a final 4(d) rule for the northern long-eared bat published on January 14, 2016 and now in effect. Under the final rule, the proposed tree removal activities do not require a permit. c. Discuss how the identified fish,wildlife, plant communities, rare features and ecosystems may be affected by the project. Include a discussion on introduction and spread of invasive species from the project construction and operation.Separately discuss effects to known threatened and endangered species. Although the proposed mining will involve the loss of some wildlife habitat, mining is a temporary activity and it is expected that any species that have the potential to be displaced during mining activities would be expected to return to the area once mining and reclamation activities are complete. Upon reclamation, grassland will be established and waterbodies will be created, providing a variety of wildlife habitat. d. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological resources. The following measures will be incorporated into Site operations in order to minimize the potential for any impact to state listed species on or near the Site. Environmental Assessment Worksheet Page 21 Elk River Sand and Gravel Mines:Tiller Corporation and Max Steininger, Inc.