The applicant (Department of Natural Resources) submitted a complete Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) application for a replacement plan for the Minnesota Valley State Trail - Shakopee Campground Segment project. The project includes reconstruction of approximately 0.6 miles of trail to replace a segment that is deteriorating due to flooding and other environmental factors. The existing trail does not currently meet ADA requirements and will be reconstructed as a 10-foot-wide trail.

The project proposes 29,745 sq ft (0.68 ac) of permanent impact to one wetland. The applicant evaluated alternatives that would have avoided impacts to wetlands, including constructing bridges and boardwalks or maintaining the existing alignment, but these alternatives were not feasible given the needs for the project. The wetlands that remain on site following construction will retain hydrology and disturbed areas will be revegetated using a native wetland seed mix appropriate for the site.

The application was noticed to the WCA Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) on May 1, 2024. The TEP is advisory in nature and makes technical findings and recommendations. TEP members include representatives from the City, Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District. Comments were allowed until May 31, 2024. The TEP met May 14, 2024 to review the project and proposed wetland impacts and ultimately agreed with the proposed project and associated impacts.

The DNR will replace wetland impacts at a 2:1 ratio by utilizing credits from their own approved wetland bank within Cottonwood County, which meets the replacement plan siting requirements of WCA. The total amount of wetland replacement provided will be 1.36 acres.

On behalf of the City of Shakopee, Local Government Unit for the Wetland Conservation Act, I recommend that the City Council approves the wetland replacement plan for the Minnesota Valley State Trail - Shakopee Campground Segment project. As a condition of approval, the applicant will be required to provide verification of wetland credit purchase from the Board of Water and Soil Resources. A Notice of Decision is attached for review.