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June 14, 2019 <br />Amanda Bednar <br />Environmental Coordinator <br />16065 Orono Parkway <br />Elk River, MN 55330 <br />RE: Lake Orono Restoration and Enhancement EAW <br />Dear Amanda Bednar, <br />The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reviewed the Environmental Assessment Worksheet <br />(EAW) for the Lake Orono Restoration and Enhancement project. Regarding matters for which the DNR has <br />regulatory responsibility or other interests, we offer the following comments. <br />We understand that a Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) license was used for the review and that a <br />concurrence request was submitted to the DNR but had not been received by the time of submittal of the EAW. <br />The DNR review letter is attached so that it can be included as part of the record, and referenced for greater <br />details. <br />The DNR requests that the project proposer prepare an avoidance plan for Blanding’s Turtles, a state-listed <br />threatened species. The plan must include a description of project activities, construction methods, and <br />measures that will be taken to avoid and minimize disturbance to this state-protected species. The avoidance <br />measures should include the following timing restriction: dewate between May 15 and <br />September 15. Other avoidance measures that may be employed are discussed in the attached NHIS review <br />letter and in the EAW. In addition, there may be opportunity to minimize risk of road mortality with strategic <br />fencing placement or other measures. Please see the attached letter and contact non-game specialist Erica <br />Hoaglund <br />(Erica.hoaglund@state.mn.us) for assistance. <br />On behalf of the DNR, thank you for consideration of these comments. <br />Sincerely, <br />Rebecca Horton <br />Region Environmental Assessment Ecologist <br />Attachments: DNR Natural Heritage Information System review letter <br />CC: Lisa Joyal (Endangered Species Review Coordinator) Erica Hoaglund (Non-game Specialist), James Bedell <br />(Area Hydrologist) <br />Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • Ecological and Water Resources <br />1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55404 <br />