Laserfiche WebLink
1 <br /> �-- 2 NATURAL RESOURCES <br /> 3 INTENT <br /> 4 Preserve and enhance the health, beauty and ecological function of the area's natural resources, including rare <br /> 5 plant and animal species,wildlife,forests, lakes,streams,wetlands,groundwater,soils and slopes,air and other <br /> 6 environmental amenities. <br /> 7 BACKGROUND <br /> 8 A major component of sustainable development is environmental beauty, health, and function, all of which <br /> 9 provide the foundation for economic activity and quality of life in Pequot Lakes. Pequot Lakes'natural resources <br /> 30 are its most distinguishing feature and greatest asset,and the primary reason residents and visitors are drawn to <br /> 11 the area.With the increasing affluence and mobility of the 1990's, people migrated to live and recreate in areas <br /> 12 with high scenic amenities featuring forests,hills and water,which are plentiful in Pequot Lakes. <br /> 13 Residents are concerned about potential loss of the area's natural and rural character,fragmentation of forest and <br /> 14 wetland ecosystems,and water contamination in area lakes from increased development..Given the rapid rate of <br /> 15 population growth and development over the past 20 years, Pequot Lakes must manage future growth in a <br /> 16 manner that reflects its commitment to preserving its natural resources. By identifying and protecting its <br /> 17 significant natural features, Pequot Lakes can accommodate future growth without compromising the very assets <br /> 18 that make the area a prime destination. Wildlife and rare species, forests and native plant communities, water <br /> 19 resources,soils and geology,topographic features,and air and visual quality must all be considered in future land <br /> 20 use decisions. <br /> 21 WILDLIFE AND RARE SPECIES <br /> ,,.�2 Pequot Lakes is home to a diverse array of wildlife species including deer, mink, pine martens, warblers, <br /> 23 woodpeckers, loons and other waterfowl.Several rare and threatened plant and animal species currently live in <br /> 24 Pequot Lakes,including the Blanding's turtle, Bald eagle, Red-shouldered hawk,Least darter,herons,and Leafless <br /> 25 Water milfoil (which differs from the highly invasive Eurasion milfoil). Future development threatens these <br /> 26 populations by fragmenting and degrading existing habitat, introducing invasive species and disease, and leading <br /> 27 to increased human use and potential human-wildlife conflicts.Buffers around prime habitat and corridors linking <br /> 28 habitat patches can safeguard wildlife from future development by promoting movement,reducing human-wildlife <br /> 29 conflict,and protecting prime food sources,shelter and mating areas.The City of Pequot Lakes can also pursue <br /> 30 complementary uses,such as creating recreational areas near turtle,eagle,and heron habitat,and agriculture and <br /> 31 open space near hawk habitat. <br /> 32 FORESTS AND NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES <br /> 33 Prior to European settlement, Pequot Lakes was covered primarily by Red and White Pine. The expansion of <br /> 34 railroads to the area resulted in heavy logging from 1870-1920.Today,nearly 55 percent of the land within Pequot <br /> 35 Lakes is forested,featuring stands of pines,spruce,fir,aspen,and mixed hardwoods of varying ages.The diverse <br /> 36 mix of tree, shrub, and ground cover provides habitat for species requiring core forest habitat as well as those <br /> DRAFT-November 2010 24 1 P a g e <br />