PRECM 11-XX-1988 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STATE OF ~+ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 500 LAFAYETTE ROAD • ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA • 55155-40 ONR INFORMATION October 3, 1988 fb123 X96.6157 Dietmai~ Rose 1539 12th Terrace N.W. New Brighton, Minnesota 55112 ~. ~_. ~ .. _~ Dear Mr. Rose: After receiving a call on .Friday, September 30, concerning the possibility of a heron colony occurring on the south enl of Pike Lake, I field checked the area on Satun~ay, October. 1. Z found three nests similar to those built by black-~cracmed night herons anr3 a young of the .year standing in the shallows near the group of nests. Therefore, r am as certain as I can be at this time of year that a small colony of three to five nests .~ located in the trees west of the culvert/storm sewer on the south end of the lake. It is very difficult to predict whether a bike path constructed close to the freeway wall would cause the birds to abandon this site. This colony already tolerates a great deal of disturbance from the 694 freeway and the residential development and recreation around the lake. It also appears that a path along the freeway wall is already being-well used. A few recatIIrendations, however, would probably help the colony survive. .First, the bike path should be placed as close to the wall as possible. Second, no trees should be removed for or during construction. And finally, construction should not proceed during the nesting season from March 15 through July 15. The colony will be added to the colonial wate~ird database maintained by the Nangame Wildlife Program and will be field checked every three to five years. I hope that this information will be helpful in ensuring that-the colony survives. Sincerely, i/~G~~~Gl~J /~ Mary Miller Nongame Wildlife Prograan Section of Wildlife a~~-s3iq MM:lmr AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER