Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE NOMINATION OF THE LESTER-AMITY-HAWK RIDGE NATURAL AREA TO THE DULUTH NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Duluth City Council hereby makes the following findings of fact pertaining to the project areas shown on "Exhibit A - Proposed Boundary Map":
1. That the nomination is an area of special or unique ecological or environmental significance to the city of Duluth because it meets not just one, but all five of the science criteria defined in Article IV A of the Duluth Natural Areas Program Guidelines:
a. Significant Native Plant Communities Area - Plant surveys within the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve identified nine significant native plant communities including Northern Rich Maple-Basswood Forest and a relatively high abundance of Oak species, a resilient species that is expected to do well in warmer temperatures.
b. Special Species Area - Canada Buffaloberry, a state listed species of special concern, has been documented within the nominated natural area. The species has been found in six separate rock outcrop areas within the proposed natural area boundary.
c. Important Bird Congregation Area - This site encompasses the internationally recognized Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve. More than 60,000 raptors and over 200,000 other birds are counted at HRNR annually. Thousands of people from around the world visit Hawk Ridge to witness the fall migration every year.
d. Natural Water Features Area - Portions of Amity Creek and Lester River are located within the proposed natural area. They are both state-listed designated trout streams. Amity Creek has been identified by the MPCA as the 5th best quality trout stream in the northeast part of the state.
e. Geologic Landform Area - Hawk Ridge exists because it is made up of a rock called diabase, which is resistant to weathering and erosion. Hawk Ridge is one of Duluth's most recognizable high points, and can be traced back to processes that occurred during ...
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