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I~Ii~~~esota ~e~a~-~~~~ent of i~Ia~ural ~esau~ees 12D0 Warner Road St. Paul, Minnesota 551 D6 651.772.79DD y ~~ ~ ~ [(107 By June 19, 2007 Mr. Thomas Paschke, City Planner City of Roseville 2660 Civic Center Drive Rosevilte, Minnesota 551113 RE: Northwestern College Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) Dear Mr. Paschke: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reviewed the EAW prepared for the proposed Northwestern College Master Plan Project in the cifies of Rosevilte and Arden Hills. From a natural resources management perspective, the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects and does not require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). We offer the following comments for consideration. Permits and approvals required (Item No. 8) Figure 1 in the Stormwater Management Plan identifies several existing stormwater outfall structures at or near the ordinary high water level far Lake Johanna (62-78P} and Little Johanna Lake (62-58P). It is unclear whether any of the existing outfalls will require maintenance or reconstruction or whether the college is proposing to install new outfalls. The placement of stormwater outfall structures may require a permit from the DNR Division of Waters. The proposed 125-stall parking tot west of the Fine Arts Center (Figure 4} is in an area where the topographic features appear to meet the definition of a steep slope or bluff area. According to the soil survey, the soil classification for that area is 158 D Zimmerman Loamy Fine Sand on a 12 to 25 percent slope. This makes the site unsuitable for development in its natural state. Additionally, the site drains toward Little Lake Johanna and the proposed construction will require substantial tree removal. We strongly recommend that the college consider an alternative site or (about. Fish, wildlife and ecologicalfy sensitive resources (Item No. 11) In the St. Paul suburbs, the Department is concerned about the loss of woodland habitat. The Northwestern College site lies within a significant migratory corridor for birds. This natural function depends on the maintenance of sufficient forest areas. However, only small, forested areas remain and the opportunities to conserve woodland habitat are rapidly diminishing. We concur with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommendation that Northwestern College protect the forested habitat surrounding Lake Johanna and Little Lake Johanna. An Equal Opportunity Employer Who Values Diversity DNR Information: 651-296-6157 t-888-646-6367 TTY: 651-296-5484 1-800-657-3929