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. Policies <br /> , .j. The following policies are proposed to guide future preservation and management of natural resources in <br /> Pequot Lakes: <br /> (1-2 - <br /> Protect and enhance natural resources and open space contributing to the character and <br /> �l vitality of Pequot Lakes. While it may seem that Pequot Lakes has an abundance of natural <br /> 4 resources and open spaces,unmanaged growth and development could degrade the City's natural <br /> .'s't resources. The City must actively protect existing natural resources and enhance those that contrib- <br /> ute to Pequot Lakes'rural character. <br /> Direct future development away from significant and/or sensitive natural resources and <br /> t toward suitable areas with existing infrastructure and proper soil and slope characteristics. <br /> ;t...-srl Benton MacKaye,a legendary land-use planner,compared urban growth to flood waters that must <br /> be controlled through a series of barriers that he referred to as"levees'''. Levees include significant <br /> topographic and vegetative features such as hills and bluffs,forested areas,lakeshores and other <br /> sensitive natural features. Pequot Lakes should limit development around these features and encour- <br /> tage development in more suitable areas. <br /> Promote development and construction practices that retain and improve existing natural <br /> features and systems on and around building sites. Not all development is equal with respect <br /> to its impact on natural resources. Development practices that identify and preserve significant <br /> tt natural resources-such as clustering,open space dedications,restrictive covenants,or conservation <br /> easements—should be promoted by the City whenever possible. Furthermore,construction prac- <br /> tices in all new developments should not negatively impact resources by causing erosion,tree dam- <br /> age,or the disruption of significant ecological features. <br /> tSupport more environmentally sound alternatives to transportation,power,storm water <br /> management,landscaping,and sewer treatment. One of the City's strengths is its progressive <br /> O thinking. The City should take the lead in promoting the use of new,sustainable technologies for its <br /> (�' infrastructure. <br /> d Foster environmental stewardship.Pequot Lakes must educate residents and visitors about the <br /> value and importance ofpreserving natural resources for sustaining the environment,local economy <br /> and quality of life. <br /> ; Actions <br /> #; Short-Term Actions (within 1 year): <br /> ' = ❑ Evaluate the impervious coverage standard in each land use zone and make modifications to better <br /> address water quality issues. <br /> ❑ Do not count wetlands,streams,land below the ordinary high water level,slopes,or core forests as <br /> n build-able areas on building lots for new subdivisions. <br /> 2 0 J ❑ Discourage the use of fertilizers and insecticides where risk of groundwater and surface water <br /> contamination are high. Identify these high risk areas and create an overlay district for promoting <br /> Best Management Practices for watershed health. <br /> ❑ Host community clean-up and tree-planting events. <br /> ❑ To protect groundwater and the City's water supply,limit development in areas with shallow depth <br /> 56 to the water table and sand over sand geological features. <br /> Comprehensive Plan <br />