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Mhmesota Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program Box 25 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-40_ Phone: (651) 259-5109 Fax: (651) 296-1811 E-mail: Iisa.joyal@dnr.state.nm.us August 13,2007 Ms. Lisa Fay Bonestroo, Inc. 2335 West Highway 36 St. Paul, MN 55113 Re: Request for Natural Heritage information for vicinity of proposed Centerville Downtown Redevelopment Project, DIN R22W Section 23, Anoka County NHNRP Contact #: ERDB 20080122 Dear Ms. Fay, 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 is 1 known occurrence of a rare species or native plant community in the area searched (for details, please see the enclosed database printouts and the explanation of selected fields). Following are specific comments for that element. 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. . Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), a state-listed threatened"species, have been reported from the vicinity ofthe development area. Blanding's Turtles spend much of their time in shallow wetlands (1-3 feet deep), but they nest in open, sandy uplands up to 1 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 sediments. 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 atlached a Fact sh~t anu a flyer about the Blanding's Tmtk. 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 reconunendations 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. Please refer to this first list of reconunendations for your project. The second column expands on the frrst column, and contains greater protective measures to be considered for areas known to be of state-wide importance to Blanding's Turtles, or any area where greater protection for turtles is desired. Your project area is not within one of these priority areas. The flyer. which should be given to all contractors worldng in the area, contains an illustration and description of the B landing's Turtle. as well as a summary of the recommendations provided in the fact sheet. DNR Information: 651-296-6151 · 1-888-646-6367 · TTY: 651-296-5484 · 1-800-651-3929 An Equal Opportunity Employer {\ .., Printed on Recycled Paper Containing a Minimum of 10% Post-Consumer Waste