4.3 SR 03-20-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. Page 10, Stormwater. We recommend that BWSR-approved, weed-free, native seed mixes be used to the greatest degree possible in stormwater features and development landscaping in order to provide pollinator habitat. Native plants also require less irrigation and soil inputs than traditional landscaping. 5. Page 10, Stormwater. The significant increase in impervious surfaces will also increase the amount of road salt used in the project area. Chloride released into local lakes and streams does not break down, and instead accumulates in the environment, potentially reaching levels that are toxic to aquatic wildlife and plants. Consider promoting local business and city participation in the Smart Salting Training offered through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. There are a variety of classes available for road applicators, sidewalk applicators, and property managers. More information and resources can be found at this website. Many winter maintenance staff who have attended the Smart Salting training — both from cities and counties and from private companies — have used their knowledge to reduce salt use and save money for their organizations. We encourage local governments to request that project proposers who wish to significantly increase impervious surfaces develop a chloride management plan that outlines what BMP's and strategies will be used to reduce chloride use within the project area, and then tie that plan to City O&M agreements. We also encourage cities and counties to consider how they may participate in the Statewide Chloride Mana�ement Plan and provide public outreach to reduce the overuse of chloride. Here are some educational resources for residents as well as a sample ordinance regarding chloride use. 6. Page 15, Rare Features. This section should describe common wildlife that utilizes the project area. 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. 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 Lon�-eared Bat (Mvotis septentrionalis) I U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fws. ov 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