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DRAFT Pequot Lakes Natural Resources Plan
<br /> �., Intent
<br /> Preserve and enhance the health,beauty and ecological ,•
<br /> fimction of the area's natural resources, including rare
<br /> plant and animal species,wildlife, forests, lakes, streams,
<br /> wetlands, groundwater, soils and slopes, air and other .�c •
<br /> environmental amenities.
<br /> Background =="
<br /> A major component of sustainable development is
<br /> environmental beauty,health, and function, all of which
<br /> provide the foundation for economic activity and quality
<br /> of life in Pequot Lakes.Pequot Lakes' natural resources
<br /> are its most distinguishing feature and greatest asset, and
<br /> are the primary reason residents and visitors are drawn to
<br /> the area. With increasing affluence and mobility,people -
<br /> choose to live and recreate in areas with high scenic amenities featuring forests,hills and water,
<br /> which are plentiful in Pequot Lakes. (Map of Scenic Amenities)Residents are concerned about
<br /> loss of the area's natural and rural character, fragmentation of forest and wetland ecosystems,
<br /> and water contamination in area lakes from increased development. According to a recent
<br /> survey,69%of Sibley Township residents favored restricting future growth to certain areas not
<br /> at risk of environmental damage(only 6%opposed),while 45%of residents felt that the local
<br /> government should work to protect undeveloped from development(20%opposed)'. Given the
<br /> rapid rate of population growth and development over the past 20 years and the peoples' desire
<br /> to live in areas with high scenic amenities,Pequot Lakes must manage future growth in a manner
<br /> �-' that reflects its commitment to preserving its natural resources.Benton MacKaye, legendary
<br /> land-use planner, compared urban growth to flood waters that must be controlled through"a
<br /> series of barriers"2. He explained that these barriers,or"levees",include significant topographic
<br /> and vegetative features like hills and bluffs, forested areas, lakeshores and other sensitive natural
<br /> features. By identifying and protecting its significant natural features, Pequot Lakes can
<br /> accommodate future growth without compromising these very assets that make the area a prime
<br /> destination. Natural resources include wildlife and rare species, forests and vegetation, lakes,
<br /> wetlands and streams, soils and geology,topographic features,and air.
<br /> Wildlife and Rare Species
<br /> Pequot Lakes is home to diverse array of wildlife species including deer,mink,pine martens,
<br /> warblers,woodpeckers, loons and other waterfowl. Several rare and threatened plant and animal
<br /> species currently live in Pequot Lakes3. (Map of Rare Species from NHIS) Future development
<br /> threatens these populations by fragmenting and degrading existing habitat, introducing invasive
<br /> species and disease, and leading to increased human use and potential human-wildlife conflicts.
<br /> Buffers around prime habitat and corridors linking habitat patches can safeguard wildlife from
<br /> Sibley Township Comprehensive Plan Survey,XXXX
<br /> 2 MacKaye,Benton.1962. The New Exploration.University of Illinois Press,Urbana,M.
<br /> 3 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Inventory Survey Database,2003
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