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unsuccessful. This means that retaining existing habitat is the bcst hope for preserving this species. A relatively large deer herd uses the TCAAP. Unlike Blanding's turtle, deer are adaptable to changes in habitat location. Thus, as existing habitat is developed, deer populations adapt readily to other sites. NURP Ponds Storm water detention ponds are part of modem infrastructure design. They will be considered in relation to the existing wetlands on the TCAAP. Proper sizing and location ofNURP ponds will be important to maintaining the current value of all wetland types described earlier. Wildlife Corridor Linking Natural Areas Most of the critical habitat areas in the center of the property are shown in Figure 9 as disjunct islands in an area running east-west along the south side of the kame. These critical habitat areas should be integrated into a wildlife corridor extending from Marsden Lake to the Rice Creek floodplain. The infillland can be targeted for ecological restoration as part of an inner buffer zone (Figure 10). In this way, wildlife areas will be linked together. On a larger scale, the wildlife corridor will link the Marsden Lake preservc to Rice Creek and connected habitat areas to the north. This will provide important connectivity that enhances the ecological function of disjunct natural areas. Following the concept illustrated in Figure 10, the land use directly surrounding the wildlife corridor would be the outer buffer. Intensive human activities would occur beyond this buffer. For example, suppose that the preferred land use surrounding the corridor is housing. Different environmental constraints could be applied to lots in the outer buffer than to lots in the more intensive area. Changes might be made in lot size, house position on the lot, and the type of landscaping that touches the corridor. Lots in the intensive land use area would have fewer constraints. Two types of residential markets might well arise out of the distinction in treatment. Linking Human Land Use on Different Sides ofthe Wildlife Corridor It is possible that we may want to link human habitat across the corridor. Road crossings are the most obvious necessity in linking human habitats, but trails and even visual corridors can be important as well. In crossing the wildlife corridor the intrusion should be designed with certain environmental considerations to minimize impact on wildlife. These considerations may involve installing rural-design roads without curb and gntter, development of an overarching tree canopy, planting of roadside revegetation consistent with the vegetation of nearby habitats, and speed limitations. Various culvert and bridge designs that provide under-road travel routes for smaller mammals may be used. These concepts should be explored in the site-design phase. 3. Recreational Opportunities on TeAAP Regional Trail Corridor A regional trail corridor is being implemented along Rice Creek between Long Lake Regional Park and Chain of Lakes Regional Park Preserve. Plans include acquisition of the Rice Creek floodplain area shown on the resource map. Nature Study Camiros, Ltd.lSEH, lnc./LHDL. Ltd. TCAAP Framework Plan Page 20 Chapter II I .- I I I I I I I ea I I I I I I .- I I