4.3 SR 03-20-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

7. Page 15, Rare Features. If rare features are identified within one mile of a project area using a license agreement, then a concurrence and next steps from DNR must be obtained by coordinating through Minnesota Conservation Explorer. Only DNR can make a determination on whether or not a project is likely to impact a state-listed species. Response: A Natural Heritage Review request has been submitted for the project through the Minnesota Conservation Explorer. The project is currently "In Queue" for further review. Attached is a copy of the Formal Natural Heritage Review - Cover Page. 8. Page 15, Rare Features. Recently U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made the decision to up-list the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) from the status of federally threatened to federally endangered. This new status goes into effect January 30th, 2023. This follows precipitous declines of more than 90% since the species federal listing as threatened in 2015. NLEB are known to occur in Sherburne County and throughout Minnesota. Tree removal is an activity that could negatively impact this species, therefore it is important that the project proposer coordinates with USFWS regarding potential impacts to the NLEB, and follows the instructions for consultation provided within the appendix. Please see the USFWS website for more information: Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) � U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov) Response: The determination key for NLEB Consultation and 4(d) Rule Consistency was completed for the project using the USFWS IPaC system. An otficial Consistency Letter for the project was issued stating "this letter verifies that the Action is not likely to result in unauthorized take of the northern long-eared bat."A copy of this letter is attached. The project site is not located within a 0.25-mile radius of a known northern long-eared bat hibernacula, doesn't include any known occupied maternity roost trees, and isn't within a 150-foot (45-meter) radius from any known maternity trees. Therefore, the project is not subject to tree removal timeline restrictions. 9. Page 15, Rare Features. Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state-listed threatened species, have been documented in the vicinity of the proposed project. Blanding's turtles use upland areas up to and over a mile distant from wetlands, waterbodies, and watercourses. Uplands are used for nesting, basking, periods of dormancy, and traveling between wetlands. Factors believed to contribute to the decline of this species include collisions with vehicles, wetland drainage and degradation, and the development of upland habitat. Any added mortality can be detrimental to populations of Blanding's turtles, as these turtles have a low reproduction rate that depends upon a high survival rate to maintain population levels. This project does have the potential to impact this rare turtle through direct fatalities and habitat disturbance/destruction due to excavation, fill, and other construction activities associated with the project. Minnesota's Endangered Species Statute (Minnesota Statutes, section 84.0895) and associated Rules (Minnesota Rules, part 6212.1800 to 62122300 and 6134) prohibit the take of threatened or endangered species without a permit. As such, the following avoidance measures are required: • Avoid aquatic impacts during hibernation season, between October 15th and April 15th, unless the area is unsuitable for hibernation. • The use of erosion control blanket shall be limited to `bio-netting' or `natural-netting' types, and specifically not products containing plastic mesh netting or other plastic components. Please update project plans so that this information is given to contractors. o Also, be aware that hydro-mulch products may contain small synthetic (plastic) fibers to aid in their matrix strength. These loose fibers could potentially re-suspend and make their way into Public Waters. As such, please review mulch products and not allow any materials with synthetic (plastic) fiber additives in areas that drain to Public Waters. Page 3 of 4 952.426.0699 + ISGlnc.com