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1 As the population of Pequot Lakes continues to grow, so too will demand for recreational opportunities. The 2 recreational resource base has not increased at the same rate as population growth—in fact,the resource base 3 has shrunk as natural areas and lakeshores have been converted to private,residential use.In addition,many new 4 families and retirees moving to Pequot Lakes have increased wealth and leisure time, as well as a stronger 5 connection to the outdoors and an awareness of the importance of health and fitness.Combined,these trends will 6 put added pressure on Pequot Lakes to provide a diverse array of recreational opportunities and facilities for its 7 growing,recreationally-minded population. 8 POLICIES 9 The following policies are proposed to guide future recreational growth and development in Pequot Lakes: 10 Preserve the integrity of city lakes by limiting development in sensitive shoreland areas. Levels of recreational 11 use for many activities are high in relation to surrounding areas;two examples are hunting and fishing. Much of 12 the present and future development in Pequot Lakes is concentrating on lesser value lakeshore where fish and 13 wildlife habitat values are high;programs are needed to preserve some lakeshore from development. 14 Make lakes,wetlands,and public forests more accessible to the public.The lakes and wetlands are scenic spots 15 for recreating residents and tourists. Since development is prohibited on wetlands, they are prime locations for 16 recreational opportunities such as hunting, birding, or winter trails. City lakes should offer more locations for 17 public access in order to expand the lake experience to people beyond private shoreline owners. Lake plans and 18 water surface management plans,including traffic management, no-wake zones,and time-of-use limits should be 19 created to help preserve these city treasures. 20 Partner with other public entities owning undeveloped property in Pequot Lakes to create a coordinated plan 21 for future recreational use. The integration of public land could greatly enhance recreation opportunities in 22 Pequot Lakes.City parks,State forests,and County and State trails can add connections for all kinds of recreation. 23 It is essential for the City to coordinate preservation of public space for future use. Now is the time to possess the 24 foresight before Pequot Lakes finds all open space completed divided out and privately owned. -5 Maintain private resorts and facilities for public recreational use. Private recreation facilities act to provide 26 balance for a variety of income levels.Due to this fact,they should be encouraged to continue the trend of offering 27 affordable recreation options for families.Since private facilities are currently the only way for some residents and 28 visitors to have access to water, the City should try to maintain their existence. This can be accomplished by 29 providing incentives to private recreational owners to maintain the existing public recreational use on their 30 property. 31 Seek to increase the existing recreational resource base and to connect all new and existing recreational 32 features and facilities. Recreational activities and use of facilities by both residents and non-residents has 33 increased significantly in recent years, but the resource base available has actually decreased. Most of this 34 recreation takes place on the limited amount of public lands and waters.Thus, preservation of key recreational 35 features must be a component of all new developments.The City must take advantage of opportunities to expand 36 and connect existing and future outdoor recreational facilities. 37 ACTIONS 38 SHORT-TERM ACTIONS WITHIN 1 YEAR): DRAFT-November 2010 31 1 P a e i Ili