CCP 09-30-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . AUAR: B. For an AUAR, prior consultation with the DNR Natural Heritage program for information about reports of rare plant and animal species in the vicinity is required. If such consultation indicates the need, an on-site habitat survey for rare species in the appropriate portions of the A UAR area is required. Areas of on-site surveys should be depicted on a map, as should any "protection zones" established as a result. A search (ERDB# 20030006) of the MnDNR's Natural Heritage database was conducted for an area within an approximate I-mile radius of the project site. The DNR report is included in Appendix C. No observations of rare plant or animal species or significant natural features were identified on the project site. However, the database search revealed that the project site is within a "known concentration" area of Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a species listed as threatened in Minnesota. The DNR has identified 13 such "known concentration" areas in the state and gives these areas highest priority for research and management activities. In addition, these areas are relied upon to maintain the species' security in the state. The preferred habitat of the Blanding's turtle is calm, shallow water and dense aquatic vegetation. The Blanding's turtle prefers to nest in large areas of undisturbed, sandy uplands. The Blanding's turtle's late maturation, low reproductive potential, long-lived adults and high mortality of eggs and juveniles are factors that make it particularly susceptible to human disturbances. As stated in the excerpt from the MnDNR publication Minnesota's Endangered Flora and Fauna (included in Appendix C), "Population and reproductive dynamics suggest viable populations of Blanding's turtles are dependent on large numbers of animals and adequate areas of undisturbed habitat." The DNR report includes nine observations of Blanding's turtles near the project site. The dates of these observations range from 1988 to 1998. The sightings of Blanding's turtles included in the DNR report were noted near Marsden Lake (located one-half to one and one-half miles north of the project site along the east side of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) site) and Snail Lake (located approximately one half mile northeast of the project site). Three of the sightings were observed within approximately one half mile of the site to the north, presumably around Karth Lake. No survey of the AUAR study area has been conducted to determine the presence of Blanding's turtles. Almost all of the land between the project site and the areas where turtles have been identified is developed, medium density, residential land and is not considered favorable habitat for Blanding's turtles. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that Blanding's turtles could use portions of the site, particularly the shallow wetland (see Figure 11, Wetland L) and surrounding undisturbed sandy loam (132B and 132C) upland located at the northwest corner of the property. Refer to Items 12 and 19 for more details on wetlands and soils on the campus. Guidant Campus Master Plan Draft ADAR -14- September 2002