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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 c�}eesemigrated to live and recreate in
<br /> 11 areas 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. AGEeFdiAg to a •°°°^`
<br /> 14 °
<br /> 15 °
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<br /> 16 PFete6t URdeYel9ped land `F^^A deyelepmeRt ""°' °d" . Given the rapid rate of population growth and
<br /> 17 development over the past 20 years °d d-a-Ma^•' `^"a i`h igh S Rk4e° , Pequot Lakes must manage
<br /> 18 future growth in a manner that reflects its commitment to preserving its natural resources. By identifying and
<br /> 19 protecting its significant natural features, Pequot Lakes can accommodate future growth without compromising
<br /> 20 the very assets that make the area a prime destination. Wildlife and rare species, forests and native plant
<br /> 21 communities, water resources, soils and geology, topographic features, and air and visual quality must all be
<br /> 22 considered in future land use decisions.
<br /> 23 WILDLIFE AND RARE SPECIES
<br /> 24 Pequot Lakes is home to a diverse array of wildlife species including deer, mink, pine martens, warblers,
<br /> 25 woodpeckers, loons and other waterfowl. Several rare and threatened plant and animal species currently live in
<br /> 26 Pequot Lakes, including the Greater prairie chicken, Blanding's turtle, Bald eagle, Red-shouldered hawk, Least
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<br /> 27 darter, herons, and Leafless Water milfoil (which differs from the highly invasive Eurasion milfoil). Future
<br /> 28 development threatens these populations by fragmenting and degrading existing habitat, introducing invasive
<br /> 29 species and disease, and leading to increased human use and potential human-wildlife conflicts. Buffers around
<br /> 30 prime habitat and corridors linking habitat patches can safeguard wildlife from future development by promoting
<br /> 31 movement, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and protecting prime food sources, shelter and mating areas. The
<br /> 32 City of Pequot Lakes can also pursue complementary uses, such as creating recreational areas near turtle, eagle,
<br /> 33 and heron habitat,and agriculture and open space near prairie chicken and hawk habitat.
<br /> 34 FORESTS AND NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES
<br /> 35 Prior to European settlement, Pequot Lakes was covered primarily by Jack pine barrens.The expansion of railroads
<br /> 36 to the area resulted in heavy logging from 1870-1920.Today, nearly 55 percent of the land within Pequot Lakes is
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