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There are multiple observations of trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), a state-listed species of special concern, nesting within the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. During the breeding season, trumpeter swans select small ponds and lakes with extensive beds of cattails, bulrush, sedges, and/or horsetail. Ideal habitat includes about 100 m of open water for take-off, stable levels of unpolluted water, emergent vegetation, low levels of human disturbance, and the presence of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) houses and American beaver (Castor canadensis) lodges for use as nesting platforms. Threats to the trumpeter swan population in Minnesota include lead poisoning, illegal shooting, the loss or degradation of wetland habitat, and collisions with transmission lines. Of particular concern would be any habitat destruction or construction disturbance during the breeding season. However, based on aerial photographs, the proposed project boundary does not appear to contain any suitable nesting habitat. Plains pocket mouse (Perognathus flavescens), a state-listed species of special concern, was documented within the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in the 1990’s. This population is the largest known plains pocket mouse population in the state. In Minnesota, this species is restricted to open, well-drained areas, typically on sandy soils with sparse, grassy, or brushy vegetation. Threats to the plains pocket mouse include habitat destruction and natural succession. While there are no known occurrences of this species within the project boundary, it is possible that portions of the project include suitable habitat (e.g., the northernmost section which is within a Central Region Regionally Significant Ecological Area). The proposed project is within an area of statewide importance to the Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), a state-listed threatened species. There are 15 such areas in the state. These areas are relied upon to maintain the species’ security within Minnesota, and the DNR considers them of the highest priority for Blanding’s turtle research and management activities. Although we have no records from directly within the project site, turtles are known to occur in the vicinity of the project (including within Rice Creek) and may occur within the project boundary. Blanding’s turtles not only use wetlands, but also upland areas up to and over a mile distant from wetlands. Uplands are used for nesting, basking, periods of dormancy, and traveling between wetlands. Because of the tendency to travel long distances over land, Blanding’s turtles regularly travel across roads and are therefore susceptible to collisions with vehicles. 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. Other factors believed to contribute to the decline of this species include wetland drainage and degradation, and the development of upland habitat. For your information, I have attached a Blanding’s turtle fact sheet that describes the habitat use and life history of this species. The fact sheet also provides two lists of recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts to this rare turtle. The first list is relevant for all areas inhabited by Blanding’s turtles while the second list contains additional protective measures for areas known to be of statewide importance to this species. Because the proposed project please refer to both lists of recommendations is within one of these areas, . In particular, there are specific recommendations regarding roads, utilities, landscaping, timing of construction, and sediment and erosion control that will pertain to this project. In addition, please refer to the enclosed fact sheet for recommendations on the use of wildlife friendly erosion control. For further assistance regarding the Blanding’s turtle, please contact Erica Hoaglund, DNR Regional Nongame Specialist, at 651-259-5772. Page 2 of 3