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07-28-14-R
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07-28-14-R
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There are multiple observations of trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), a state-listed <br />species of special concern, nesting within the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. During <br />the breeding season, trumpeter swans select small ponds and lakes with extensive beds of <br />cattails, bulrush, sedges, and/or horsetail. Ideal habitat includes about 100 m of open water <br />for take-off, stable levels of unpolluted water, emergent vegetation, low levels of human <br />disturbance, and the presence of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) houses and American beaver <br />(Castor canadensis) lodges for use as nesting platforms. Threats to the trumpeter swan <br />population in Minnesota include lead poisoning, illegal shooting, the loss or degradation of <br />wetland habitat, and collisions with transmission lines. Of particular concern would be any <br />habitat destruction or construction disturbance during the breeding season. However, based <br />on aerial photographs, the proposed project boundary does not appear to contain any suitable <br />nesting habitat. <br />Plains pocket mouse (Perognathus flavescens), a state-listed species of special concern, was <br />documented within the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in the 1990’s. This population <br />is the largest known plains pocket mouse population in the state. In Minnesota, this species is <br />restricted to open, well-drained areas, typically on sandy soils with sparse, grassy, or brushy <br />vegetation. Threats to the plains pocket mouse include habitat destruction and natural <br />succession. While there are no known occurrences of this species within the project <br />boundary, it is possible that portions of the project include suitable habitat (e.g., the <br />northernmost section which is within a Central Region Regionally Significant Ecological <br />Area). <br />The proposed project is within an area of statewide importance to the Blanding’s turtle <br />(Emydoidea blandingii), a state-listed threatened species. There are 15 such areas in the state. <br />These areas are relied upon to maintain the species’ security within Minnesota, and the DNR <br />considers them of the highest priority for Blanding’s turtle research and management <br />activities. Although we have no records from directly within the project site, turtles are <br />known to occur in the vicinity of the project (including within Rice Creek) and may occur <br />within the project boundary. Blanding’s turtles not only use wetlands, but also upland areas <br />up to and over a mile distant from wetlands. Uplands are used for nesting, basking, periods <br />of dormancy, and traveling between wetlands. Because of the tendency to travel long <br />distances over land, Blanding’s turtles regularly travel across roads and are therefore <br />susceptible to collisions with vehicles. Any added mortality can be detrimental to populations <br />of Blanding’s turtles, as these turtles have a low reproduction rate that depends upon a high <br />survival rate to maintain population levels. Other factors believed to contribute to the decline <br />of this species include wetland drainage and degradation, and the development of upland <br />habitat. <br />For your information, I have attached a Blanding’s turtle fact sheet that describes the habitat <br />use and life history of this species. The fact sheet also provides two lists of recommendations <br />for avoiding and minimizing impacts to this rare turtle. The first list is relevant for all areas <br />inhabited by Blanding’s turtles while the second list contains additional protective measures <br />for areas known to be of statewide importance to this species. Because the proposed project <br />please refer to both lists of recommendations <br />is within one of these areas, . In particular, <br />there are specific recommendations regarding roads, utilities, landscaping, timing of <br />construction, and sediment and erosion control that will pertain to this project. In addition, <br />please refer to the enclosed fact sheet for recommendations on the use of wildlife friendly <br />erosion control. For further assistance regarding the Blanding’s turtle, please contact Erica <br />Hoaglund, DNR Regional Nongame Specialist, at 651-259-5772. <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />
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