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The DNR Central Region (in partnership with the Metropolitan Council for the 7-county metro area), have identified two Regionally Significant Ecological Areas (RSEA) within portions of the AUAR study area (Appendix B). One area overlaps with the portion of the site that is north of Rice Creek and the other overlaps with the eastern edge of the site near the existing substation. RSEA designations are based on the size and shape of the ecological area, land cover within the ecological area, adjacent land cover/use, and connectivity to other ecological areas. These two areas are designated primarily as a result of being part of a large expanse of vacant land within an urban area and their connectivity to Rice Creek and Marsden Lake, respectively. The purpose of the RSEA designation is to inform regional scale land use decisions, especially as it relates to balancing development and natural resource protection. The AUAR study area is also located within the AHATS Rice Creek Important Bird Area (IBA). IBAs are identified by Audubon Minnesota in partnership with the DNR, are part of an international conservation effort aimed at conserving critical bird habitats. IBAs are voluntary and non-regulatory, but the designation does demonstrate the biological value of this area. This particular IBA contains varied habitat, including extensive grasslands, and provides important habitat for waterfowl, raptors, and passerines within an urban landscape. A minimum of 166 bird species have been observed within the IBA boundary, which encompasses the original 2,400 acre TCAAP parcel. In 2013, four of five osprey nests/nesting platforms were removed from the AUAR study area by Ramsey County under a DNR permit. Platforms were relocated to adjacent Ramsey County parkland property. One platform remains on the powerpole at the pumphouse near the east edge of the AUAR study area. The pumphouse and pole will remain within the site. There is a reported bald eagle nesting site on the west side of Round Lake, which is approximately 0.5 miles from the southwest corner of the AUAR study area. Both bird species nest near lakes. c.D,,, ISCUSS HOW THE IDENTIFIED FISH WILDLIFE PLANT COMMUNITIES RARE FEATURES AND ECOSYSTEMS MAY BE .I AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT NCLUDE A DISCUSSION ON INTRODUCTION AND SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES FROM .S THE PROJECT CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION EPARATELY DISCUSS EFFECTS TO KNOWN THREATENED AND . ENDANGERED SPECIES Habitat for the three listed species within the AUAR study area is poor compared to the habitat present within the adjacent AHATS site. No direct or indirect effects are anticipated on state-listed species, based on It is anticipated that creation of a green corridor through the AUAR study area will provide habitat elements for turtles, birds and other wildlife. This corridor will provide an important link to the Rice Creek corridor and The City may also consider building guidelines that minimize the amount or type of glass used on multi-story building to minimize bird strikes. The development of the AUAR study area will not impact existing bald eagle or osprey nesting sites, or prevent nesting activity. d.I,,, DENTIFY MEASURES THAT WILL BE TAKEN TO AVOID MINIMIZE OR MITIGATE ADVERSE EFFECTS TO FISH ,,. WILDLIFE PLANT COMMUNITIES AND SENSITIVE ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES approvals. Specific measures are outlined in the draft mitigation plan. July 2014 Final AUAR 19