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I Ie I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I .. . I 11/11 1.5.1 Wetlands The Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act ryvCA) requires a minimum of 2: I replacement for wetland impacts. At least the first half of this replacement area must be in the form of created or restored wetland, termed New Wetland Credit (NWC). The remaining mitigation requirement may be in the form of Public Value Credit (PVC) generated by preservation of upland buffers around replacement wetlands and/or creation of project-related water quality treatment ponds, The Army Corps of Engineers typically requires a I: I replacement ratio. The DNR has no specific replacement ratio for public waters wetland impacts. The mitigation plans developed for this project have been, designed .specifically to replace and enhance the functions and values of the impacted wetlands, The wetland areas to be filled are primarily low quality wetlands that have monotypic vegetation dominated by reed canary grass, an invasive, low value plant for wildlife. They have also been hydrologically altered to some degree. The proposed mitigation plans integrate the remaining wetlands with newly created wetland, water quality ponds and upland communities. The purpose of combining these different treatments is to create diverse complexes that will provide improved wildlife habitat as well as wetland replacement. Hydrology will be augmented by treated storm water runoffwhi1e wildlife habitat will be improved by introducing native plants to the wetlands and adjacent uplands. Four areas within to the project site have been identified as wetland replacement sites. Each of the replacement areas is located adjacent to an existing wetland. More mitigation will be created on-site than is required for this project. Excess wetland replacement credit will be banked to be available for use on other projects as is allowed under the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Specific detailed drawings of the proposed mitigation areas will be completed and coordinated with regulatory agency staff as part of the permit application and review process. 1.5.2 Fish, Wildlife and Ecologically Sensitive Resources The project proposer has incorporated a number of measures into the site plans that minimize the impacts of site development on the local wildlife populations. Measures incorporated into the site plan include: . Preserving on-site wetland and creating additional open space habitat adjacent to preserved wetlands, . Preserving open space along the bluff of Rice Creek to buffer the proposed development from the wetland complex habitat. . Turning over most of the preserved open space to public ownership or easement so that the habitat value can be maximized with proper management. Other measures being considered include: . Incorporating native grasses, trees and shrubs in landscaping plans to enhance wildlife habitat value. . Preserving mature trees where feasible, as required by Shoreview tree protection ordinances. WISP ARK Rice Creek Corporate Park Draft EIS December 10, 1998 Page 11