07A - Dwight Wetland Application

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TEP Minutes November 1, 2005 Members Present: Keith Pohl(SWCD), Dan Steward(BWSR), Mike North(DNR), Kristin Hansen(CWC Enforcement) Others Present: Julie Weitzel(SWCD), LisaBeth Barajas(CGI),Dawn Bittner(City of Pequot Lakes),Daniel and Valerie Dwight, Matt Vollbrecht(Westwood Professional Services), Tim Ramerth(Westwood Professional Services), Kevin Close, Jim Chamberlin (SWCD), Rick Stirewalt, Bob Sweeney, Mike Ciresi, Paul Marvin, Peter Anderson, Barry Nelson, Rob Hall(Crow Wing County Highway Department) Others Absent: Leo Grabowski(Corp of Engineers) Meeting began at 9:10 a.m. Mike North explained the Wetland Protection Scoresheet contained within the Cass County Wetland Ordinance. The TEP believes that this method is appropriate since part of Sibley Lake is in Cass County. The Scoresheet is used to determine the replacement ratio by assigning scores to 8 different wetland functions. A score of 1 is given if the function is of low value in the current wetland and 3 if the function is of high value. The TEP assigned the following scores to the 8 categories: Uniqueness— 1, Fisheries Habitat Protection—3, Wildlife Habitat Protection—2, Rare and Endangered Species Protection —2,Cultural Resource Protection—3, Surface Water Quality Protection—3, Groundwater Sensitivity—3, and Flood Attenuation—3. The score for all 8 categories totaled 20, which requires a replacement ratio of 4:1. The Dwight's have an agreement with Helen McLennan in Morrison County for 2:1 replacement. Keith explained that the remaining 2:1 ratio could be paid into the Crow Wing County Water Quality Fund. The current rate is$10,000/acre. The City of Pequot Lakes may establish a Water Quality Fund for local water quality improvement projects. There was a motion by Mike North, seconded by Dan Steward,to recommend approval of Daniel and Valerie Dwight's application with a required replacement ratio of 4:1;the first 2:1 will be replaced through the purchase of wetland bank credits from Helen McLennan in Morrison County, and the second 2:1 will be replaced at the discretion of the City of Pequot Lakes. All aff=irmative, none opposed. Motion carried. The Dwight's, LisaBeth Barajas, and Dawn Bittner left the meeting at 9:30 a.m.