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<br /> -- <br /> '2IJ.c '1 <br /> ~ etropolitan Council <br /> Working for the Region, Planning for the Future I <br /> ~'- -- <br /> June 20, 1997 <br /> .illiIj )':, I <br /> Kevin Ringwald I <br /> Community DeveIopmenl Direclor <br /> City of Arden Hills <br /> 1450 West Highway 96 I <br /> Arden Hills, MN 55112 <br /> RE: EA W Review - Arden Hills Galeway Center <br /> Metropolitan Council District II I <br /> Referral File No. 16524-1 <br /> Dear Mr. Ringwald: I <br /> Council staff has conducted a review of this environmental assessment worksheet (EA W)to <br /> determine ils adequacy and accuracy in addressing regional concerns. The staff review has I <br /> concluded Ihat the EA W is incomplete and we are unable to determine at this time whether an EIS <br /> may be needed. <br /> Please provide the foIIowing informalion so that we can complete our review: .. <br /> Item 11. Fish, Wildlife and Ecologically Sensitive Resources requires additional study with <br /> regard to the impact the project will have on the unidentified turtles located on the site. I <br /> The Minnesota Natural Heritage Database (MNHD) indicates that the Blanding's turtle, a species <br /> designated as threatened, has been documented at the Twin Cilies Army Ammunition Plant. The I <br /> Plant is located north of Highway 96, and lies within one mile of the proposed project site. <br /> Unidentified turtles have been located on the southern portion of Round Lake, and at a wetland on <br /> the eastern part of the site. A site-specific survey should be undertaken to evaluate the possible I <br /> presence of the Blanding's turtle at this site prior to further site development activity to verify the <br /> presence or absence of this turtle species. <br /> The Metropolitan Council's Regional Blueprint, adopted December 19, 1996, under I <br /> Action Step 4D states, <br /> "The Council will encourage the protection of the region's significant I <br /> woodlands and the long-term management of the urbanforest." <br /> The proposed development, by eliminating 76% of the wooded lot, is inconsistent with Council I <br /> policy. Forestry specialists within DNR should be consulted on a design that would minimize <br /> impacts, and on protection strategies to foIIow in the course of sile development. <br /> ." I <br /> -- <br /> 230 East FIfth Street St. Paul. :Minnesota 55101-1634 (612) 291-6359 Fax 291-6550 molTIY 291.0904 Metro Info LIne 229.3780 I <br /> An Equal Opportunity Employer <br /> ---- <br />