CCP 02-18-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I -. I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I it I Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, Box 25 500 Llfayettc Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-40 Phone: (651) 296-7863 Fax: (651) 296-1811 E-mail: sarah.hoffmann@dnr.state.mn.us July 9, 2002 , >~o: 'u" J L 2.(1;1.; -v\'.! [Teceiv~d- vRF, Inc Courtnay Bot SRF Consulting Group, Inc. One Carlson Parkway North, Suite 150 Minneapolis, MN 55447-4443 "* i...;' Re: Request for Natural Heritage information for vicinity of proposed Guidant Campus Master Plan, T30N R23W Section 22, Ramsey County NHNRP Contact #: ERDB 20030006 Dear Ms. Bot, The Minnesota Natural Heritage database has been reviewed to determine if any rare plant or animal species or other significant natural features are known to occur within an approximate one-mile radius of the area indicated on the map enclosed with your information request. Based on this review, there are 13 known occurrences of rare species or natural communities in the area searched (for details, see enclosed database printout and explanation of selected fields). Following are specific comments for only those elements that may be impacted by the proposed project. Rare feature occurrences not listed below are not anticipated to be affected by the proposed project. The project area is within a "known concentration" area of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state threatened species. There are 13 such areas in the state. These areas have been determined by the DNR to be locations of highest priority for research and management activities, and are relied upon to maintain the species' security in the state. Although no turtle records have been reported directly from the project site, it is highly likely Blanding's Turtles use the site, if habitat is suitable. Blanding's Turtles spend much of their time in shallow wetlands (1-3 feet deep), but they nest in open, sandy uplands up to I mile from wetlands. Nesting is in June and eggs hatch in September, at which time young turtles enter deep wetlands where they over-winter in soft sedimeuts. Factors believed to contribute to the decline of this species include wetland drainage and degradation, development on upland nesting areas, and possibly collection for the pet trade_ In addition, because of the tendency for Blanding's Turtles to travel long distances over land, they are often forced to cross roads in developed areas. Many of the records we have of Blanding's Turtles are from turtles killed crossing roads. For your information, I have attached a fact sheet and a flyer about the Blanding's Turtle. The fact sheet is intended to provide you with background information regarding habitat use, life history, and reasons for the species' decline, as well as recommendations for avoiding and minimizing impacts to this rare turtle. As you will note, there are two lists of recommendations. The first list contains recommendations to prevent harm to turtles during construction work, and is relative to all areas inhabited by Blanding's Turtles. The second DNR Information: 651-296-6157 . 1-888-646-6367 . TTY: 651-296-5484 . 1-800-657-3929 An Equal Opportunity Employer Who Value.'; Diversity {\ Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a ..,- Minimum of 10% Post-Cons.umer Waste