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ear _ _ -;-.: Comprehensive Wetland Management Plan (CWMPI-Rice Creek WD . ~ ,' The properties within the geographic scope of the Plan are under extensive development pressure due to their proximity to the urbanizing fringe and the major road corridor, I-35 W. ` For each landowner, the Plan will identify the limits of the developable property. This will s ~ alleviate uncertainty while providing landowners with a realistic expectation of the amount f+•'~ f r ~ of property they have available for development. Once the landowner opts to develop ~ a .` '; i their property, wetland replacement will not be required if development occurs entirely within the development envelope and the landowner restores the wetland basins as depicted in the CWMP. - ~ ~ The Plan establishes a contiguous open space area that meets the requirements for wetland _ " a ` ~ r V ~ replacement by the WCA. Larger contiguous blocks of natural areas can support more _ { `~,~.' s plant and animal species compared to the same total area divided into smaller discontinuous .. ~ _ ~,~~ y areas. This concept is the basis for state and municipal natural resource managers focusing - ,~ ., dx .~~_~- -~ ~~~~- on the creation of"greenway corridors". The intent of the park managers is to create linear The CVJMI' received its final approval systems (greenway corridors)-that connect large block-shaped open space areas. In addition in Apri12004. Three parcels have to this working concept for natural resource planning, it is well known that many wetland akeady been permitted by the RCWD habitat functions are only supported in a matrix of wetland and upland areas. The Plan is and wetland restoration and on-site designed to satisfy both of these working concepts for natural area and wetland development will begin shortly. preservation. The undeveloped lands are called Wetland Preservation Areas (WPAs) and Map 3 (left) shows how developable include upland areas critical to maximizing the wetland habitat functions and protecting all land would have been situated if the identified significant upland habitat and species. Wetland Conservation Act would have been followed in a conventional The Plan clearly distinguishes the WPAs (]and not to be developed) and the development manner. Further wetland impacts envelope (land that may be developed). The WPAs will be protected through perpetual would occur as developments were easements that will be granted to RCWD and incorporated into the City of Blaine's open built. Map 5 (right) demonstrates the space system to include WPAs within the Plan will greatly enhance Blaine's greenway CWMP. By comparing Maps 3 and 5, comdor system. The corridor with a value in excess of well over one million dollars will, it is clear that Map 3 has more therefore, be acquired for public use without the expenditure of public dollars as the area fragmented wetlands and undesirable develops. areas for development whereas Map 5 has large tracts of preserved wetlands Fresh Water Treasure Chests -Sauk River WD and development areas are centered on The SRWD created six themed Fabulous Fresh Water Treasure Chests containing hands existing human disturbances such as on activities, information, and models focusing on Minnesota's endangered fresh water roads. resources. These chests provide tools essential for critical thinking growth, so students may make informed and responsible decisions when dealing with lakes and rivers in Min- nesota. _- -~ „„„ These chests assist school personnel with communicating the need for people of all ages ~ ~ to preserve and care for Minnesota Rivers and lakes. The chests are equipped with the ~ ~ ; _ ; tools necessary to reach students in different learning styles: seeing and hearing, reflect- " ~ °. - - Y _ ~ ` ~ ing and acting, logical reasoning and intuitively, as well as, analyzing and visualizing. ~ 1 .r These chests are also a method to get a professional resource delivered right to the ' ~ ~.:~., school, free of charge, and available almost anytime.. The chests are not only available to k` ~ ^t ~ ~^:~y schools but outside clubs and organizations are welcome to `check them out' as well. ~~ „ ~;r,v,~ ; ~` ` ~ l' $~'' ~ Upon researching materials and their associated costs, the SRWD calculated that $b00 per ~~ - ' ~ kit (supplies only) minimum is needed to provide the necessary tools to meet the objec- ;;~. '~= ~., "-`~-- tives of the program. The total investment for the project is $12,600, the SRWD contrib- - .~ -° - - - - -~" ' ~ uted to all staff time involved in compiling the information and resources. The SRWD was successful in partnering with Lake Associations and the Steams County Water Plan to support the program. They have sponsored an entire $600 treasure chests or half of its contents.. In return, Sponsors have their organizations name printed many times on each kit and its contents. Sauk River Treasure Chests will be available on the following topics: • Fresh Water Habitat Pollution Prevention • Wacky Watersheds Wonderful Wetlands • Incredible Invertebrates Water Quality Sampling