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NATURAL RESOURCES
<br /> INTENT
<br /> Preserve and enhance the health,beauty and ecological function of the area's natural resources,including�afe plant
<br /> and animal species, wildlife, forests, lakes, streams, wetlands, groundwater, soils and slopes, air and other
<br /> environmental amenities.
<br /> BACKGROUND
<br /> A major component of sustainable development is environmental beauty, health,and function,all of which provide
<br /> the foundation for economic activity and quality of life in Pequot Lakes.Pequot Lakes'natural resources are its most
<br /> distinguishing feature and greatest asset, and the primary reason residents and visitors are drawn to the area.With
<br /> the increasing affluence and mobility of the 1990's, people migrated to live and recreate in areas with high scenic
<br /> amenities featuring forests, hills and water,which are plentiful in Pequot Lakes.
<br /> Residents are concerned about potential loss of the area's natural and rural character, fragmentation of forest and
<br /> wetland ecosystems, and water contamination in area lakes from increased development. Given the�e#
<br /> population growth and development^••^�'"^^^�*'n..^��� pequot Lakes must manage future growth in a manner
<br /> that reflects its commitment to preserving its natural resources. °�•�a^^*�fi,:^^^^�' ^�^*^^��^^�'���^^�F���^«.,,«.,.-,�
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<br /> . Wildlife and rare species, forests and native plant communities, water resources, soils and
<br /> geology,topographic features, and air and visual quality must all be considered in future land use decisions.
<br /> WILDLIFE AND RARE SPECIES C�ank�c�tFi1 I)NR tr, �ipdate rare species lis[
<br /> Pequot Lakes is home to a diverse array of wildlife species including deer, bear, covote, fox, mink, pine martens,
<br /> warblers,woodpeckers, loons and other waterfowl.Several rare and threatened plant and animal species currently
<br /> live in Pequot Lakes, including the Blanding's turtle, °�'� Red-shouldered hawk, Least darter, herons, and
<br /> Leafless Water milfoil (which differs from the highly invasive Eurasian milfoil). Future development threatens these
<br /> populations by fragmenting and degrading existing habitat, introducing invasive species and disease,and leading to
<br /> increased 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 human-wildlife
<br /> conflict, and protecting prime food sources, shelter and mating areas. T"^ ''�*., ^F °^^��^* ',�^� �^^ �'�^ ^������^
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<br /> FORESTS AND NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES
<br /> Prior to European settlement,Pequot Lakes was covered primarily by Red and White Pine.The expansion of railroads
<br /> to the area resulted in heavy logging from 1870- 1920. Today, nearly 55 percent of the land within Pequot Lakes is
<br /> forested,featuring stands of pines,spruce,fir,aspen,and mixed hardwoods of varying ages.The diverse mix of tree,
<br /> shrub, and ground cover provides habitat for species requiring core forest habitat as well as those requiring edge
<br /> forest habitat. Forests also contribute to natural beauty and provide a buffer to development by
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