CC_Minutes_2007_0226 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

February 24,2007 Project Title: 527 Owasso Hills Drive MnRAM SER Project Number: 2006-120-02 Background: The Minnesota Rapid Assessment Methodology (MnRAM) is designed to provide information regarding the functional status of wetlands in Minnesota. The functionality of wetlands can be determined by evaluating the diversity and integrity of vegetation and by describing the current hydrologic state of the wetland including wetland water quality and flood attenuation capability. Other parameters include shoreline protection potential, the capacity of the wetland to support wildlife, and the aesthetic quality of the wetland. Purpose: Svoboda Ecological Resources (SER) visited the site at 527 Owasso Hills Drive on January II, 2007 to conduct a MnRAM functional assessment of the wetland conditions on and immediately adjacent to the property. Establishment ofa baseline of functionality for site was performed so that improvements to the functionality of the wetland, as a result of the installation of a vegetation buffer, can be monitored. Methods: The procedure for conducting the MnRAM was guided by the Minnesota Routine Assessment Methodology for Evaluating Wetland Functions. Board of Water and Soil Resources, Version 3.0, April 2004 Outcome: Results of the MnRAM indicate a low vegetation diversity and integrity rating. Low quality seasonally flooded basins are characterized, in part, by the presence of invasive species, such as reed canary grass, that comprise 50% or more cover in one or more strata. The hydrology characteristics and flood attenuation capacity of the wetland are rated medium and high, respectively. This is consistent with the current use of the wetland for stormwater retention. Summary: The results of this MnRAM suggest that the wetland at the site possesses a generally low functional rating in light of low vegetation diversity and integrity. The hydrology and flood attenuation ratings are similar to wetlands that are highly functional but are likely due to the fact that the wetland is being used as a reservoir for stormwater from adjacent wetlands. The property owner's plan to plant vegetation as a buffer between his lawn and the wetland should improve the vegetation diversity and integrity rating and improve the overall function of the wetland. We recommend are-assessment of the functionality of the wetland in two to three years. This approach to mitigating the effects of using this wetland for stormwater retention could eventually serve as a model for other property adjacent to this wetland.