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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, soifs 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 population
<br /> growth and development, Pequot Lakes must manage future growth in a manner that reflects its commitment to
<br /> preserving its natural resources. Wildlife and rare species, forests and native plant communities, water resources,
<br /> soiis and geology,topographic features,and air and visual quality must all be considered in future land use decisions.
<br /> WILDLIFE AND RARE SPECIES
<br /> Pequot Lakes is home to a diverse array of wildlife species. ' , ,
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<br /> *�;,� these populations. , �
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<br /> and corridors linking habitat patches can safeguard wildlife from future development ,
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<br /> FORESTS AND NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES
<br /> o.-,,,. +„ r,,.,...,,-.., �„+«�,,.,,�..+ �,, ,,,,;, 4 �,,,,r pequot Lakes was covered primarily by Red and White Pine. The
<br /> expansion of railroads to the area resulted in heavy logging from 1870- 1920. Today, �K�ptoxin��+tF�ly ha�t aea�yr-��
<br /> ��ofthe landwithin Pequot Lakes isforested ,r:iti� df�<�r1��������. �.�,�i << <��f����,� . � ��; n:g�;��U�ii; �a�,d tn�� n;��•,i�r�
<br /> _�I �ir :(rlr ���� � � .i� ii�,�� . , li, _ 4�inllilli�., � ��1 l).� rit;- ��r�l� . � .h�.��,... f �� �t�.,.�� .,F., < < o-
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