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1 NATURAL RESOURCES
<br /> 2 INTENT
<br /> 3 Preserve and enhance the health, beauty and ecological function of the area's natural resources, including rare
<br /> 4 plant and animal species, wildlife, forests, lakes, streams, wetlands, groundwater, soils and slopes, air and other
<br /> 5 environmental amenities.
<br /> 6 BACKGROUND
<br /> 7 A major component of sustainable development is environmental beauty, health, and function, all of which
<br /> 8 provide the foundation for economic activity and quality of life in Pequot Lakes. Pequot Lakes' natural resources
<br /> 9 are its most distinguishing feature and greatest asset, and the primary reason residents and visitors are drawn to
<br /> 10 the area. With the increasing affluence and mobility of the 1990's, people migrated to live and recreate in areas
<br /> 11 with high scenic amenities featuring forests,hills and water,which are plentiful in Pequot Lakes.
<br /> 12 Residents are concerned about potential loss of the area's natural and rural character,fragmentation of forest and
<br /> 13 wetland ecosystems,and water contamination in area lakes from increased development..Given the rapid rate of
<br /> 14 population growth and development over the past 20 years, Pequot Lakes must manage future growth in a
<br /> 15 manner that reflects its commitment to preserving its natural resources. By identifying and protecting its
<br /> 16 significant natural features, Pequot Lakes can accommodate future growth without compromising the very assets
<br /> 17 that make the area a prime destination. Wildlife and rare species, forests and native plant communities, water
<br /> 18 resources,soils and geology,topographic features, and air and visual quality must all be considered in future land
<br /> 19 use decisions.
<br /> 20 WILDLIFE AND RARE SPECIES
<br /> 21 Pequot Lakes is home to a diverse array of wildlife species including deer, mink, pine martens, warblers,
<br /> 22 woodpeckers, loons and other waterfowl. Several rare and threatened plant and animal species currently live in
<br /> 23 Pequot Lakes, including the Blanding's turtle, Bald eagle, Red-shouldered hawk, Least darter, herons, and Leafless
<br /> 24 Water milfoil (which differs from the highly invasive Eurasion milfoil). Future development threatens these
<br /> 25 populations by fragmenting and degrading existing habitat, introducing invasive species and disease, and leading
<br /> 26 to increased human use and potential human-wildlife conflicts. Buffers around prime habitat and corridors linking
<br /> 27 habitat patches can safeguard wildlife from future development by promoting movement, reducing human-wildlife
<br /> 28 conflict, and protecting prime food sources, shelter and mating areas. The City of Pequot Lakes can also pursue
<br /> 29 complementary uses,such as creating recreational areas near turtle, eagle,and heron habitat, and agriculture and
<br /> 30 open space near hawk habitat.
<br /> 31 FORESTS AND NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES
<br /> 32 Prior to European settlement, Pequot Lakes was covered primarily by Red and White Pine. The expansion of
<br /> 33 railroads to the area resulted in heavy logging from 1870-1920.Today,nearly 55 percent of the land within Pequot
<br /> 34 Lakes is forested, featuring stands of pines, spruce, fir, aspen, and mixed hardwoods of varying ages.The diverse
<br /> 35 mix of tree, shrub, and ground cover provides habitat for species requiring core forest habitat as well as those
<br /> 36 requiring edge forest habitat. Forests also contribute to natural beauty and provide a buffer to development by
<br /> DRAFT—April 2011 29 1 P a g e
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