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<br /> NATURAL RESOURCES
<br /> 2 INTENT
<br /> 3 Preserve and enhance the health, beauty and ecological function of the area's natural resources, including rare
<br /> 4 plant and animal species, wildlife, forests, lakes, streams, wetlands, groundwater, soils and slopes, air and other
<br /> 5 environmental amenities.
<br /> 6 BACKGROUND
<br /> 7 A major component of sustainable development is environmental beauty, health, and function, all of which
<br /> 8 provide the foundation for economic activity and quality of life in Pequot Lakes. Pequot Lakes' natural resources
<br /> 9 are its most distinguishing feature and greatest asset, and the primary reason residents and visitors are drawn to
<br /> 10 the area.With the increasing affluence and mobility of the 1990's, people migrated to live and recreate in areas
<br /> 11 with high scenic amenities featuring forests,hills and water,which are plentiful in Pequot Lakes.
<br /> 12 Residents are concerned about potential loss of the area's natural and rural character,fragmentation of forest and
<br /> 13 wetland ecosystems, and water contamination in area lakes from increased development.. Given the rapid rate of
<br /> 14 population growth and development over the past 20 years, Pequot Lakes must manage future growth in a
<br /> 15 manner that reflects its commitment to preserving its natural resources. By identifying and protecting its
<br /> 16 significant natural features, Pequot Lakes can accommodate future growth without compromising the very assets
<br /> 17 that make the area a prime destination. Wildlife and rare species, forests and native plant communities, water
<br /> 18 resources,soils and geology,topographic features, and air and visual quality must all be considered in future land
<br /> 19 use decisions.
<br /> 20 WILDLIFE AND RARE SPECIES
<br /> 21 Pequot Lakes is home to a diverse array of wildlife species including deer, mink, pine martens, warblers,
<br /> 22 woodpeckers, loons and other waterfowl. Several rare and threatened plant and animal species currently live in
<br /> 23 Pequot Lakes, including the r_FeateF prairie ehiekeR, Blanding's turtle, Bald eagle, Red-shouldered hawk, Least
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<br /> 24 darter, herons, and Leafless Water milfoil (which differs from the highly invasive Eurasion milfoil). Future
<br /> 25 development threatens these populations by fragmenting and degrading existing habitat, introducing invasive
<br /> 26 species and disease, and leading to increased human use and potential human-wildlife conflicts. Buffers around
<br /> 27 prime habitat and corridors linking habitat patches can safeguard wildlife from future development by promoting
<br /> 28 movement, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and protecting prime food sources, shelter and mating areas. The
<br /> 29 City of Pequot Lakes can also pursue complementary uses, such as creating recreational areas near turtle, eagle,
<br /> 30 and heron habitat,and agriculture and open space near prairie chicken and hawk habitat.
<br /> 31 FORESTS AND NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES
<br /> 32 I Prior to European settlement, Pequot Lakes was covered primarily by jaek pipe baFFe °Red and White Pine. The
<br /> 33 expansion of railroads to the area resulted in heavy logging from 1870-1920.Today,nearly 55 percent of the land
<br /> 34 within Pequot Lakes is forested,featuring stands of pines,spruce,fir,aspen,and mixed hardwoods of varying ages.
<br /> 35 The diverse mix of tree,shrub,and ground cover provides habitat for species requiring core forest habitat as well
<br /> 36 as those requiring edge forest habitat. Forests also contribute to natural beauty and provide a buffer to
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