4.9. SR 01-03-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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b. Describe rare features such as state -listed (endangered, threatened or special concern) species, native plant communities, Minnesota County Biological Survey Sites of Biodiversity Significance, and other sensitive ecological resources on or within close proximity to the site. Provide the license agreement number (LA-____) and/or correspondence number (ERDB ) from which the data were obtained and attach the Natural Heritage letter from the DNR. Indicate if any additional habitat or species survey work has been conducted within the site and describe the results. The DNR was contacted to determine if rare or endangered plant or animal species or sensitive resources or habitats are present within a one mile radius of the project site. A National Heritage Information System (NHIS) query was submitted and results were received September 26, 2016 (Appendix C). The response (ERDB20170104) indicated known occurrences of rare features within a one -mile radius of the proposed project. The DNR identified one state threatened species, Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), as the only rare species that may be adversely affected by the proposed project. Management and conservation efforts will be implemented during construction and operation to avoid impacts to the turtles. The Blanding's turtle is not a federally threatened or endangered species. There are no Minnesota County Biological Survey Sites of Biodiversity Significance on the project site or within a one mile radius of the project site. Additionally, there are no wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas, or sites of ecological significance within one mile of the project site. The nearest wildlife management area, Bearman WMA, is located over four miles southeast of the project site. The northern long-eared bat is a species of special concern in Minnesota and was listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in April 2015. No known hibernacula or roost trees are identified in Sherburne County and therefore the proposed project is not anticipated to impact this species. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service's Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) database was searched to identify any federally listed species, sensitive habitat, or migratory birds located within the project area. One mammal and twenty migratory bird species were identified as species that could potentially be affected by construction activities at the project site. Management and conservation efforts will be implemented during construction and operation to avoid impacts to these species. A copy of the IPaC Trust Resource Report is included in Appendix D. 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. The greatest direct impacts will be to open grasslands and forest on the project site. Phase 1 construction and grading activities affect 13.2 acres of previously disturbed, low - diversity, brush/grassland. Phase 1 will also affect 1.2 acres of forest, primarily edge margin required for track safety and access road alignment. Phase 1 will not result in impacts to fish, Page 17