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, , , , <br /> WATER RESOURCES <br /> Part of Minnesota's"Northern Lakes and Forests Eco-region," Pequot Lakes is home to a number of lakes <br /> including Sibley,Mayo,West Twin, East Twin,a small portions of Lower Cullen, Middle Cullen, and_Upper <br /> Cullen, as well as Natural Environment Lakes Cloverleaf, Rice, and Lund. These lakes provide residents <br /> with breathtaking scenery,good fishing, and a host of other recreational opportunities <br /> Phosphorous, once a common component of fertilizers, also poses a threat to the future health of lakes. <br /> The major cause of elevated phosphorous levels in Sibley and Mayo Lakes is some shoreline runoff, but <br /> primarily runoff from the Mayo Creek watershed. Continuous efforts are underway to determine areas <br /> of erosion on the creek with restoration efforts ensuing. A large portion of the phosphorous is from <br /> sediment download from areas that are bare of vegetation. Efforts are also focused on reducing runoff <br /> from cattle operations through the use of buffer zones and best practices for ranching <br /> All land use activities occurring within local watersheds impact area lakes.Specific activities that threaten <br /> area lakes include lakeshore development, rip-rap and other harmful landscaping practices,faulty septic <br /> systems, fertilizers, increased impervious surface, soil compaction, and the removal of aquatic and <br /> terrestrial vegetation. Minnesota's natu�al resources are threatened by a number of invasive species <br /> Aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil inhabit a small percent of waters <br /> throughout the state Boaters, anglers, lake associations, and local governments must continue to work <br /> to stop aquatic hitchhikers and protect our water resources. <br /> Wetlands and streams perform invaluable functions in watershed health,providing habitat for a diversity <br /> of rare wildlife and fish species, controlling erosion and slowing surface run-off, filtering pollutants and <br /> sediments, allowing for groundwater recharge and discharge, minimizing flood damage, and providing <br /> opportunities for recreation,economic development,and education. Today, Pequot Lakes contains over <br /> 500 acres of wetiands, most of which are located around lakes. The wetlands vary from inland swamps <br /> and herbaceous wetlands to open ponds. Because of their contribution to environmental health, <br /> economic development, and quality of life for local citizens, the City of Pequot Lakes seeks to protect <br /> existing wetlands and work to ensure their natural function. <br /> SOILS AND GEOLOGY <br /> The last glaciers to cover Central Minnesota deposited large quantities of sand and gravel over the area <br /> now occupied by Pequot Lakes.Today, nearly 75 percent of land area features sandy outwash plains over <br /> sandstone bedrock. While the plains provide good building sites, the sand over sand feature is highly <br /> susceptible to groundwater contamination, which must be considered for new development that is not <br /> supported by the municipal sewer system, particularly in the Wellhead Protection Area. <br /> SLOPE AND TOPOGRAPHY <br /> Slope and topography serve as important determinants of potential development areas. Development <br /> and altered gradients along slopes can result in restricted scenic views and vistas, and can contribute to <br /> 2 <br />