3(b) Comprehensive Plan Update - Recreation and Natural Resources

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, , , , WATER RESOURCES Part of Minnesota's"Northern Lakes and Forests Eco-region," Pequot Lakes is home to a number of lakes including Sibley,Mayo,West Twin,East Twin,a small portions of Lower Cullen, Middle Cullen, and_Upper Cullen, as well as Natural Environment Lakes Cloverleaf, Rice, and Lund. These lakes provide residents with breathtaking scenery,good fishing,and a host of other recreational opportunities Phosphorous,once a common component of fertilizers, also poses a threat to the future health of lakes. The major cause of elevated phosphorous levels in Sibley and Mayo Lakes is some shoreline runoff, but primarily runoff from the Mayo Creek watershed. Continuous efforts are underway to determine areas of erosion on the creek with restoration efforts ensuing. A large portion of the phosphorous is from sediment download from areas that are bare of vegetation. Efforts are also focused on reducing runoff from cattle operations through the use of buffer zones and best practices for ranching All land use activities occurring within local watersheds impact area lakes.Specific activities that threaten area lakes include lakeshore development, rip-rap and other harmful landscaping practices, faulty septic systems, fertilizers, increased impervious surface, soil compaction, and the removal of aquatic and terfB5tf12�V2g2t2tlOf1. NeeCi t��ddC1 I�il�ti +��';�P��udin�:i�i��atii�'E' �(iE�il��3nil thr nr=�=(i t� E)rOIPt� r:ii� I�l�.t'�I 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. 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. 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. 2