8Aii - Comprehensive Plan Discussion - Natural Resources

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1 ❑ Develop an integrated forest management plan for privately and publicly owned forests in Pequot Lakes 2 to ensure their long-term ecological and economic viability. Such a plan should address forest health 3 protection,and the management of timber,wildlife,hazard trees,street trees,resource preservation,and 4 forest recreation opportunities. 5 ❑ Establish 1000-foot natural buffers around rare plant and animal species, wildlife habitat, core or old 6 growth forest patches, lakes, wetlands, and streams. Within the buffers, maintain and improve native 7 vegetation and regulate future development. 8 ❑ Continue and improve the City recycling and litter management program. 9 ❑ Regulate and monitor landfills and buried storage tanks, especially in areas with high risk of groundwater 10 contamination. 11 ❑ Consider mandatory compliance inspections for all existing systems over a set period of time and establish 12 a record-keeping system for monitoring compliance. 13 ❑ Support the installation of a storm sewer system in the downtown area and other high density urban 14 areas. 15 ❑ Identify and protect wildlife corridors linking forest patches, using riparian systems when possible. 16 ❑ Decrease the amount of waste running directly into streams and lakes by supporting county officials and 17 other agencies in identifying and mitigating failing or substandard on-site septic systems, polluted wells, 18 livestock feed lots,and other agricultural operations. 19 ❑ In areas without municipal sewer, encourage new plats to seek alternative septic systems such as 20 waterless systems, grinder/pump systems and joint sewer treatment cooperatives. Provide information 21 on these alternatives to landowners/developers. 22 ❑ Pursue ecologically responsible alternatives to snow removal such as a salt-free winter road maintenance 23 policy. 24 ❑ Work with ATV and snowmobile clubs to consolidate and map trail systems that don't disrupt residential 25 or environmentally sensitive areas. 26 ❑ Encourage currently developed properties to reestablish natural buffers on lakes,wetlands, rivers, roads 27 and forests. 28 LONG-TERM ACTIONS (5 YEARS AND BEYOND): 29 ❑ Consider establishing a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and/or Transfer of Development Rights 30 (TDR) program to preserve natural areas and encourage higher-density, traditional resort and 31 neighborhood development in suitable building areas. Provide incentives to developers such as density 32 bonuses. 33 ❑ Develop an education program that informs landowners about regulations pertaining to natural resources 34 and incentive programs for conservation. 35 ❑ When undertaking capital improvement projects, the City needs to be an example of responsible 36 development and natural resource management. 37 ❑ Develop lake management plans for each lake in the City. 38 ❑ Coordinate regular lake testing activities with local Lake Associations. 39 ❑ 40 ❑ Require developers to plant trees and reestablish the forest canopy where deforestation occurs as part of 41 the development process. 42 PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED ACTIONS 231 Page