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of Arden Hills - Comorehensive Plan - DRAFT <br />Approximately 112 acres of land was transferred to Ramsey County along <br />the creek, and the Rice Creek North Regional Trail is currently being <br />constructed along both sides of the creek. The trail will ultimately connect <br />to adjacent cities, the regional park system, and likely to the TCAAP <br />redevelopment property. <br />Wetlands <br />Arden Hills has many wetlands of various sizes and types spread <br />throughout the City. The wetlands are an integral part of the natural <br />environment and are important component of healthy lakes, streams, and <br />animal habitat. Development impacts to wetlands are regulated by <br />Federal and State laws. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Saint Paul <br />Office implements the federal wetland laws, and the Minnesota DNR and <br />the Rice Creek Watershed District implement State wetland laws. <br />Alterations to wetlands almost always require a permit, and the City seeks <br />to protect wetlands wherever possible. <br />10.2.2 Rice Creek Watershed District & Water Quality Management <br />Arden Hills is located entirely within the Rice Creek Watershed District <br />(RCWD). The RCWD requires permits for land development, site grading, <br />wetland and shoreland alterations, and drainage plans and systems. <br />Water quality for Lake Josephine, Lake Johanna, Round Lake, and <br />Valentine Lake is monitored by Ramsey County. The RCWD utilizes this <br />data. <br />The City's Floodplain and Shoreland Ordinances govern development <br />activities in areas that contribute storm water runoff to the City's lakes. In <br />addition, the lake use ordinances on Lake Johanna and Lake Josephine <br />help to control erosion and water quality. Unfortunately, water quality has <br />decreased in recent years and additional efforts are needed to maintain <br />and improve water quality. <br />10.3 Protected Species/Habitat <br />The City is home to at least two species that have a legally protected status, and <br />two habitats that have been identified by the DNR as in need of being protected <br />(MAP). Blanding's Turtles have "threatened" species status in Minnesota, which <br />means that the State has determined that the species is likely to become <br />endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion <br />DRAFT 67 <br />5/1/2008 <br />Deleted: ¶ <br />IFomlatted: Pont: (Default) Anal, 10- <br />P, <br />Formatted: Font: (Default) Anal, 10 <br />Pt <br />