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Elk River Station EAW <br /> <br />September 6, 2002 <br /> <br />13. <br /> <br />Loggerhead shrikes are a state-listed threatened species in Minnesota. According to Minnesota's <br />Endangered Flora and Fauna (University of Minnesota Press, Coffin and Pfannmuller, 1988), <br />loggerhead shrikes are widely distributed throughout the United States and the southern Prairie <br />Provinces of Canada. However, shrike numbers have drastically declined during the past 10 to <br />20 years. Suspected causes for the decline include intensive farming and environmental <br />contamination. Preferred habitat is considered dry upland open country with hedgerows, shrubs, <br />or small trees. Unused prey (frogs, mice, or large invertebrates) impaled on thorns of shrubs or <br />barbed wire is considered an indicative sign of the presence of shrikes. The DNR Natural <br />Heritage Program recommends that small red cedars and other small nesting and perching trees <br />be preserved whenever possible. Mr. Steve Kittelson of the Minnesota DNR Nongame Program <br />has indicated that shrikes are typically observed in association with fence lines and old pastures, <br />particularly those that support small red cedars and wild plum thickets. Shrikes typically nest <br />about five to six feet above the ground. Potential habitat for loggerhead shrikes on the project <br />site is generally limited to woodland edges and brushland/grassland. Approximately 46 percent <br />of the site was used for growing agricultural crops prior to 2000, and no shrikes were observed <br />during field reviews by Kjolhaug Environmental Services on September 14, 2001 and Westwood <br />Professional Services on August 9, 2002. Although potential shrike habitat 'such as woodland <br />edges and brushlandlgrasstand will be reduced on the on the project site, shrikes have not been <br />documented on this specific ~operty. Cor¢espondence from the DNR is located in Appendix A. <br /> <br />12. Physical Impacts on Water Resources. <br /> <br />Will the project involve the physical or Ikvdrologic alteration--dredging, filling, stream diversion, outfall <br />strt.tct~tre, dikbTg, and impoundment--of any surface water such as a lake, pond, wetlcmd, stream or drainage <br />ditch? [] Yes [] No [fy'es, identify.' the water resource affected and give the DNR Protected Waters Inventor?' <br />number(s) if the water resources affected are on the PWI. Describe alternatives considered and proposed <br />mitigation measures to minimize impacts. <br /> <br />The project will not involve dredging, filling, stream diversion, outfall structures, diking, or <br />impoundments of any surface water such as a lake, pond, wetland, stream or drainage ditch. The 15- <br />acre wetland on the site, which is described under Item 10, will be completely avoided by project <br />construction. Appropriate erosion control measures will be implemented in accordance with NPDES <br />permit requirements to reduce the potential for incidental wetland fill. Consideration will be given to <br />leaving an undisturbed buffer above the wetland edge where possible. The Protected Waters and <br />Wetlands Inventory for Sherburne County (Minnesota DNR, 1983) indicates the property includes no <br />DNR Protected Waters. <br /> <br />Five stormwater ponds will be constructed throughout the site for rate control and water quality <br />treatment. Stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces on the site will be treated according to NURP <br />(National Urban. Runoff Program) guidelines prior to discharging to the wetland. The wetland will <br />allow the water to drain to the existing city ditch along the north property line of the site. The ditch <br />drains along State Highway 10 to the intersection of Highways 169 and 10 before ultimately draining <br />into the Mississippi River. The construction of the ponds will minimize potential for indirect impacts to <br />other water bodies within and adjacent to development areas. <br /> <br />Water Use <br /> <br />Will the project involve installation or abandonment of any water wells, connection to or bhanges in any public <br />water supply or appropriation of any ground or surface water (including dewatering)? [] Yes [] No. <br />If yes, as applicable, give location and purpose of any new wells; public supply affected, changes to be made, <br />and water quantities to be used; the source, duration, quanti~, and purpose of any appropriations; and unique <br />well numbers and DNR appropriation permit numbers, if known. Identi~. any existing and new wells on the site <br />map. If there are no wells known on the site, ~cplain methodology used to determine. <br /> <br />W Westwood Professional Services, Inc. Page 7 <br /> <br /> <br />