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-.( h1 The site is located adjacent to a large area of county open space, coincident with the Rice Creek wetland complex, which does act as a natural wildlife corridor. The close proximity to this large area of open space does provide some habitat opportunities for urban wildlife on the project site. Although the project site currently encompasses a large area of open space, the existing habitat is typical of similar areas throughout the metropolitan area. Development of the site will result in loss of much of the grassland habitat. This loss cannot be avoided if any site development is to occur. A total of 55 acres of open space, or nearly a quarter of the site, will be preserved. This includes the wetlands, ponds, and -open space on both the U of M and MnDOT properties. Most of the open space area is located adjacent.to the existing Rice Creek North property which preserves the highest potential-wildlife habitat areas within the site while also maintaining a connection with adjacent wildlife habitat. These areas will be protected in perpetuity through existing or reconfigured scenic easements (bluff area) or transferred to Ramsey County as part ofthe Rice Creek North land exchange, Rice Creek is suspected to provide habitat for game and non-game fish species given its connection to Long Lake. Sucker and carp populations are known to inhabit Rice Creek year round. During the spawning season (February 15 to June 15) northern pike, catfish and walleye may also use Rice Creek for spawning or as access to other spawning habitat. The most sensitive time for game species (catfish, pike and walleye) is during the spawning period. Their eggs would be sensitive to turbid waters and sedimentation due to upstream erosion. 1.4.3 Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species Most of the project site has been previously disturbed and has relatively low potential for the occurrence of any rare species. However, the adjacent Rice Creek North wetland complex is known to support Blanding's turtles which are listed as threatened in Minnesota. Rice Creek is within one of the 13 areas in the state identified by DNR as a high priority area for preservation of Blanding's turtle populations. The sandy uplands of the site could provide potential nesting habitat for breeding turtles. The southeast facing slopes of the Rice Creek bluff line are expected to provide the greatest potential for nesting habitat given their slope aspect, sandy soils, grassy cover and proximity to the creek and wetland habitat. Much of the sandy upland area will be developed and will no longer be available for potential nesting habitat. However, the proposed project will preserve the bluff line of Rice Creek which is protected by a scenic easement and which provides the highest potential nesting cover on the site, -The entire hillside will be maintained within the easement area and building setbacks will avoid impacts to the bluff. Therefore, the potential nesting habitat that may be found along the bluff will not be impacted by the project. WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park Draft EIS December 10, 1998 Page 4 . - v . - - , - - ~ - - .. I I I I I I fl I I