4.3 SR 03-20-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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�DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Division of Ecological and Water Resources Region 3 Headquarters 1200 Warner Road Saint Paul, MN 55106 January 12, 2023 Zachary Carlton, Planning Director City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Dear Zachary Carlton, Transmitted by Email Thank you for the opportunity to review The Foster Property Development Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) in Sherburne County. The DNR respectfully submits the following comments for your consideration: 1. Page 5, Zoning. It is not clear from the EAW if the subdivision does comply with R1D zoning. This section says the site is, "zoned as R1D Single Family Residential. The Plan defines the purpose of R1D districts as follows: 'This district is intended to accommodate single-family residential dwellings with large lots and higher quality housing within the municipal sewer and water access area. This district is explicitly for areas that possess significant natural features and is intended to encourage the design of subdivisions that protect these natural features."' Based on this zoning description and intent to protect natural features, the destruction of nearly 148 acres of forest, along with nearly four acres of wetland impacts does not seem consistent with this intent. It is unclear if the site will be mass graded in such a way that removes nearly all existing natural features from individual lots. It is also unclear what attempts at tree preservation will be made, such as conducting a tree inventory and identifying high quality resources to preserve during the development process, and/or offsetting tree destruction through compensatory tree planting/restoration efforts. 2. Page 5, Zoning. It appears that portions of the proposed development will be located within 300 feet of Trott Brook, a public water. It is unclear how the project will comply with local shoreland ordinances regarding setbacks, impervious surfaces, and vegetation removal. 3. Page 10, Stormwater. Blanding's turtles, a protected state-listed threatened species, have been documented within the vicinity of the project. Stormwater features may be colonized by Blanding's turtles in the area, therefore we recommend incorporating measures to avoid impacting this species into stormwater management. In years when the stormwater features will be dredged to remove excess sediment, please draw down water levels by September 15th in order to allow turtles to find overwintering habitat elsewhere.