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<br /> reducing air and noise pollution, screening bright lights, stopping soil erosion, intercepting stormwater, and I
<br /> providing shade and wind protection.
<br /> Most forested land in Pequot lakes is privately owned, with nearly 800 acres owned by the Potlatd� Cflmpany.
<br /> Patlatch leases much of its land to private tndlviduals and entities for hunting and other low-impact recreational
<br /> uses.Although it continues to manage its land for timber, Potlatch is trying to sell the land it owns within Pequot
<br /> Lakes. Nearly 23 percent of forest land in Pequot Lakes is owned and managed by the Minnesota Department of
<br /> Natural Resources,whlle 14 percent ts owned by Crow Wing CouMy,and efght percent is owned bythe United States
<br /> Bureau of Land Management. Pequot lakes can arork to acquire and beiter manage its remaining forests by
<br /> collaborating with private and public land owners.
<br /> WATER RESOURCES
<br /> Part of Minnesota's"Northern Lakes and Forests Eco-regfon,°Pequot Lakes is home to a number of lakes lnduding
<br /> Sibley,Mayo,West Twin, East Twin,a small part of Lower Cullen,Middle Cullen,a small portion af Upper Cullen,
<br /> Cloverleaf,Rice,and Lund.These lakes provide residents with breathtaking scenery,good fishtng,and a host of other
<br /> recreatlonal opportunities.Although the depth and size of tfiese lakes vary,the general water quality in most lakes
<br /> is below average for the region and nearly all are reaching the eutrophic stage.Several lakes-including Sibley,Mayo,
<br /> and Rite lakes-exhibft high phosphorous levels and poor water clarity.
<br /> The Pequot Lakes central business district lies campletely within the Sibley Lake watershed.Storm water runoff from
<br /> impenrious surface in this downtown area—including roads,roof tops,and parking lots-likely contribute signiflpntly
<br /> to thls problem In Slbley Lake. Phosphorous,once a cammon component of fertilizers,also poses a threat to the
<br /> future health of lakes,especlally to shallow wedand lakes such as Lund and Rice lakes,as well as lakes cleared of the
<br /> natural lakeshore vegetation that acts as a fiker.Phosphorous is naturally occurring in the environment, but care
<br /> must be taken not to dramatically fncrease the phosphorous load in area lakes.High levels of phosphorous lead to
<br /> increased algae and weeds and decreased oxygen and cla�ity over time. Most lakes feature diverse aquatk
<br /> vegetaUon and flsh populations.
<br /> All land use activities occurring wtthin local watersheds impact area lakes.Specific activities that threaten area lakes
<br /> Include lakeshore development, rip-rap and other harmful landscaping practices,faulty septic systems,fertilizers,
<br /> increased impervtous surface, soil compaction, and the removal of aquatic and terrestrial vegetatfon. Nearly 83
<br /> percent of(akeshore property in Pequot Lakes is developed,contributtng sfgniflcantly to these problems,
<br /> A 2003 study by Bemidji State Unfversity has shown that lakes with htgher water quality boast lakeshore property
<br /> values.To ensure lake water quality and the natural beauty of lake shorelines,the Qty of Requot Lakes must protect
<br /> shorelines with natural buffers and encourage responsible future development that won't damage lake health or
<br /> appearance, and promote better alternatives for drainage, retalning stormwater runoff, and buiiding and
<br /> landscaping practices throughout the entire watershed.
<br /> Wetlands and streams perform invaluable functions in watershed health, providing habitat for a diversity of rare
<br /> wildlife and fish species,controlling erasion and slowtng surface run-ofF,filtering pollutaMs and sediments,allowing
<br /> for groundwater recharge and discharge, minimizing flood damage, and providing opportunities for recreaUon,
<br /> economic development, and education. Nearly 52 percent of Minnesota's wetlands have been fllied in for
<br /> development(mostly in the western part of the state),which places Increased pressure on existfng wetlands.Today,
<br /> Pequot Lakes contains over 500 acres of wetlands,most of which are located areund lakes.The wetlands vary from
<br /> inland swamps and herbaceous wetlands to open ponds.Because of their contributlon to environmental
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