08-09-2012 Park Commission Meeting

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�... 1 health, economic development, and quality of life for local citizens, the City of Pequot Lakes seeks to protect 2 existing wetlands and work to ensure their natural function. 3 SOILS AND GEOLOGY 4 The last glaciers to cover Central Minnesota deposited large quantities of sand and gravel over the area now 5 occupied by Pequot Lakes. Today, nearly 75 percent of land area features sandy outwash plains over sandstone 6 bedrock. While the plains provide good building sites, the sand over sand feature is highly susceptible to 7 groundwater contamination, which must be considered for new development that is not supported by the 8 municipal sewer system, particularly in the well-head protection area. 9 Soil suitability for various types of construction projects and land uses also help to determine where the City of 10 Pequot Lakes should direct future development. In 1957, Crow Wing County compiled a Soil Survey that identified 11 areas suitable for various types of development. By directing growth to the most suitable areas,the City of Pequot 12 Lakes can accommodate future growth without compromising groundwater quality. 13 SLOPE AND TOPOGRAPHY 14 Slope and topography serve as important determinants of potential development areas. Development and altered 15 gradients along slopes can result in restricted scenic views and vistas, and can contribute to erosion and slope 16 instability.Although Pequot Lakes is rather flat, it contains several hilly areas located in the northern portion of the 17 City. These hilly moraines featuring sandy soils on moderately steep slopes are particularly vulnerable to 18 disturbances caused by development. �-- 19 AIR QUALITY AND NATURAL SCENERY 20 Residents and visitors in Pequot Lakes value and enjoy clean air and quiet tranquility, largely due to the area's 21 many forests and overall lack of traffic congestion. As development continues and the number of people using 22 automobiles and recreational vehicles increases, air and noise pollution could become potential problems. By 23 encouraging alternative forms of transportation that connect residents and visitors to destinations in the area- 24 including shuttles and multiple use trails — the City of Pequot Lakes can prevent air pollution from becoming a 25 problem. To maintain the current levels of air and noise quality, the City should also protect trees for air 26 purification and noise reduction, enact regulations and designated-use areas for off-road recreational vehicles,and 27 promote alternative energy such as fuel cells and wind and solar power. 28 Visual pollution in the form of litter, signs, billboards, and bright lights also detract from Pequot Lakes' natural 29 setting. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the beauty of the north woods, whether it involves strolling through 30 clean,trash-free forests or watching the stars at night.Anything that disrupts these experiences poses a threat to 31 the future quality of life. 32 POLICIES 33 The following policies are proposed to guide future preservation and management of natural resources in Pequot 34 Lakes: 35 Protect and enhance natural resources and open space contributing to the character and vitality of Pequot 36 Lakes. While it may seem that Pequot Lakes has an abundance of natural resources and open spaces, unmanaged DRAFT—April 2011 31 1 P a g e