3(b) Review revisions to Natural Resources and Recreation Sections

Home Browse Search

Wetlands and streams perform invaluable functions in watershed health, providing habitat for a diversity of rare wildlife and fish species,controlling erosion and slowing surface run-off,filtering pollutants and sediments, allowing for groundwater recharge and discharge, minimizing flood damage, and providing opportunities for recreation, economic development, and education. ^'^�•'„ �' ^� ^' ""�^^^�^*^'� ,^'',^�'� �,.,^ �^^^ E�"^�' F^• , .Today, Pequot Lakes contains over 500 acres of wetlands, most of which are located around lakes.The wetlands vary from inland swamps and herbaceous wetlands to open ponds. Because of their contribution to environmental health,economic development,and quality of life for local citizens,the City of Pequot Lakes seeks to protect existing wetlands and work to ensure their natural function. SOILS AND GEOLOGY The last glaciers to cover Central Minnesota deposited large quantities of sand and gravel over the area now occupied by Pequot Lakes. Today, nearly 75 percent of land area features sandy outwash plains over sandstone bedrock. While the plains provide good building sites, the sand over sand feature is highly susceptible to groundwater contamination,which must be considered for new development that is not supported by the municipal sewer system, particularly in the Wellhead Protection Area. Soi� �,;;�vE y c��id-,jF.�;, SLOPE AND TOPOGRAPHY Slope and topography serve as important determinants of potential development areas. Development and altered gradients along slopes can result in restricted scenic views and vistas, and can contribute to erosion and slope instability.Although Pequot Lakes is rather flat, it contains several hilly areas located in the northern portion of the City. These hilly moraines featuring sandy soils on moderately steep slopes are particularly vulnerable to disturbances caused by development. AIR QUALITY AND NATURAL SCENERY Residents and visitors in Pequot Lakes value and enjoy clean air and quiet tranquility, largely due to the area's many forests and overall lack of traffic congestion.As development continues and the number of people using automobiles and recreational vehicles increases, air and noise pollution could become potential problems. By encouraging alternative forms of transportation that connect residents and visitors to destinations in the area—including shuttles and multiple use trails—the City of Pequot Lakes can prevent air pollution from becoming a problem. To maintain the current levels of air and noise quality, the City should also protect trees for air purification and noise reduction, enact regulations and designated-use areas for off-road recreational vehicles, and promote alternative energy such as fuel cells and wind and solar power. , , , , , , �� 3