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<br /> Intent
<br /> Preserve and enhance the health,beauty and ecological function of the area's natural resources,including
<br /> rare plant and animal species,wildlife,forests,lakes,streams,wetlands,groundwater,soils and slopes,air
<br /> �' \p and other environmental amenities.
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<br /> Background
<br /> tAmajor component of sustainable development is environmental beauty,health,and function,all ofwhich
<br /> „, provide the foundation for economic activity and quality of life in Pequot Lakes.Pequot Lakes'natural
<br /> it resources are its most distinguishing feature and greatest asset,and the primary reason residents and visitors
<br /> are drawn to the area. With increasing affluence and mobility,people choose to live and recreate in areas
<br /> with high scenic amenities featuring forests,hills and water,which are plentiful in Pequot Lakes.Residents
<br /> are concerned about loss of the area's natural and rural character,fragmentation of forest and wetland
<br /> C;. ecosystems,and water contamination in area lakes from increased development. According to a recent
<br /> tsurvey,69%of Sibley Township residents favored restricting future growth to certain areas not at risk of
<br /> environmental damage(only 6%opposed),while 45%of residents felt that the local government should
<br /> work to protect undeveloped land from development(20%opposed)'. Given the rapid rate of population
<br /> 9..... growth and development over the past 20 years and demand for areas with high scenic amenities,Pequot
<br /> x Lakes must manage future growth in a manner that reflects its commitment to preserving its natural
<br /> resources.By identifying and protecting its significant natural features,Pequot Lakes can accommodate
<br /> future growth without compromising the very assets that make the area a prime destination. Wildlife and
<br /> rare species,forests and native plant communities,water resources,soils and geology,topographic features,
<br /> _ and air and visual quality must all be considered in future land use decisions.
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<br /> Wildlife and Rare Species
<br /> i It Pequot Lakes is home to a 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 Lakes,including the Greater prairie chicken,Blanding's turtle,Bald
<br /> Is .1,, eagle,Red-shouldered hawk,Least darter,herons,and Leafless Water milfoil(which differs from
<br /> the highly invasive Eurasion milfoil)2 Future development threatens these populations by fragmenting
<br /> 2003 and degrading existing habitat,introducing invasive species and disease,and leading to increased
<br /> human use and potential human-wildlife conflicts.Buffers around prime habitat and corridors linking
<br /> habitat patches can safeguard wildlife from future development by promoting movement,reducing
<br /> human-wildlife conflict,and protecting prime food sources,shelter and mating areas.The City of
<br /> Pequot Lakes can also pursue complementary uses,such as creating recreational areas near turtle,
<br /> 42 eagle,and heron habitat,and agriculture and open space near prairie chicken and hawk habitat.
<br /> Comprehensive Plan
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