6 PCSR 01-26-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• • ��SnnTATE OF ��nn �J U�J U E Z D T3Q • DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PHONE No. DIVISION OF WATERS , P.O. BOX 370, ST. CLOUD, MN 56302 FILE No. (612) 255-4278 December 8, 1992 , actria DEC 9 1992 City of Elk River Janelle Szklarski,Zoning Assist. 720 Dodge Ave. NW Elk River, MN 55330 Dear Janelle; COMMENTS ON STEVEN SHOEMAKER WETLAND EXCAVATION PROPOSAL Thank you for sending me the plan and hearing notice for the proposed 31,000 cubic yard wetland excavation located in Royal Oaks Ridge and proposed by Steven Shoemaker. If excavated, the resulting pond would be roughly 3 acres in area and averaging five feet in depth. This proposal will not affect any public water wetlands. Therefore, approval of the DNR is not required for this project. However, as I have noted in previous discussions with city officials, the DNR is not always in favor of this type of project. The U.S. Fish&Wildlife Service's National Wetland Inventory indicates that a type 3 wetland already exists at this location. Excavation of this wetland may not benefit wildlife in the area. A heavily vegetated wetland often • provides more habitat for various species of wildlife than does open water. Also,the vegetated wetland often provides for better filtration of run-off than does an open water pond. While I do not necessarily oppose this particular project, I feel that it should not be considered a wildlife habitat improvement. The real purpose of the project appears to be to either provide black dirt for the contractor or to create an open water view for several home owners. If the City decides to approve this project, I would suggest some modifications to the proposal. The shoreline slope should be made more gradual. A 10 to 1 slope is recommended by wildlife managers because it allows for a wider band of emergent aquatic vegetation and it is considered safer for children playing around the pond. The proposed 5 foot depth is excessive for wildlife habitat and much too shallow for fish habitat. More than 12 foot depths are required to have a chance of supporting fish through a Minnesota winter: Even then,aeration will probably still be required. Depths more than 2 to 3 feet are considered unnecessary for most waterfowl species. It is recommended that the pond have variable depths(see attached brochure). Finally,irregularly shaped ponds provide more attractive wildlife habitat. The shape proposed for"phase 1"is preferred. Adding the"phase 2"area will not enhance the quality of this wetland. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely; L/ AX- Dale E. Homuth Area Hydrologist ENCLOSURE • cc: Dave Hills, Regional Hydrologist Dale Ebel, Area Conservation Officer AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER