Purchasing & Developing Land:
Cultural Resources,
Wildlife & Trees
Cultural Resources
The State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) has a list of potential archeological sites throughout the County. Call the ACD or your Local Governmental Unit (LGU) that administers the WCA regarding the potential for an archeological resource on your site. If an archaeological resource is inventoried on your site, contact the SHPO at 651/296-5434 for further information.
Wildlife
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has inventoried exceptional natural vegetative communities and the endangered, threatened or special concern species identified by the County Biological Survey. Contact your LGU, the ACD or the Division of Ecological Services within the DNR for information pertaining to your site at 651/296-2835.
Trees
Inquire what has been done to the property to prevent construction damage to trees and to control oak wilt in the area. Construction damage is a major reason for tree mortality. It is caused by several activities and may not kill the tree for several years. To protect a tree, you must protect the root system, which is primarily in the upper 12 inches of the soil and extends horizontally more than the the height of the tree. Soil compaction or placing fill over the root system can kill a tree by depriving the roots of oxygen. Lowering the grade of the site may kill a tree by removing some of the root system.
Anoka County is the "Oak Wilt" capital of the world, with the most highly concentrated oak wilt problem anywhere. Much of this is due to the rapid and sometimes careless development of oak woodland areas. Considering that oaks are extremely common in Anoka County and are among the most preferred shade trees, precautions should be taken.
A forestry consultant may be able to help you maintain your property values by reducing the negative impacts on trees as a result of your project.
