8.2. SR 11-07-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The attached flyer should be given to all contractors working in the area. If Blanding's turtles are encountered on site, please remember that state law and rules prohibit the destruction of threatened or endangered species, except under certain prescribed conditions. If turtles are in imminent danger they should be moved by hand out of harm's way, otherwise they should be left undisturbed. • The gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), a state-listed species of special concern, has been documented in the vicinity of the proposed project and may be encountered on site. For more information on the biology, habitat use, and conservation measures of this rare snake please visit http://dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles amphibians/index.html. Given the presence of these rare snakes, the DNR recommends that the use of erosion control mesh, if any, be limited to wildlife-friendly materials (see enclosed fact sheet). Federally Protected Species • The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), federally listed as threatened and state-listed as special concern, can be found throughout Minnesota. During the winter this species hibernates in caves and mines, and during the active season (approximately April- October) it roosts underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees. Pup rearing is during June and July. Activities that may impact this species include, but are not limited to, wind farm operation, any disturbance to hibernacula, and destruction/degradation of habitat (including tree removal). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has published a final 4(d) rule that identifies prohibited take. To determine whether you need to contact the USFWS, please refer to the USFWS Key to the Northern Long-Eared Bat 4(d) Rule (see links below). Please note that the NHIS does not contain any known occurrences of northern long-eared bat roosts or hibernacula within an approximate one-mile radius of the proposed project. Environmental Review and Permitting • The Environmental Assessment Worksheet should address whether the proposed project has the potential to adversely affect the above rare features and, if so, it should identify specific measures that will be taken to avoid or minimize disturbance. Sufficient information should be provided so the DNR can determine whether a takings permit will be needed for any of the above protected species. • Please include a copy of this letter in any state or local license or permit application. Please note that measures to avoid or minimize disturbance to the above rare features may be included as restrictions or conditions in any required permits or licenses. The Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS), a collection of databases that contains information about Minnesota's rare natural features, is maintained by the Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Department of Natural Resources. The NHIS is continually updated as new information becomes available, and is the most complete source of data on Minnesota's rare or otherwise significant species, native plant communities, and other natural features. However, the NHIS is not an exhaustive inventory and thus does not represent all of the occurrences of rare features within the state. Therefore, ecologically significant features for which we have no records may exist within the Page 2 of 3