3 - Comprehensive Plan Discussion

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I allowing for groundwater recharge and discharge, minimizing flood damage, and providing opportunities for 2 recreation, economic development, and education. Nearly 52 percent of Minnesota's wetlands have been filled in as 3 for development(mostly in the western part of the state),which places increased pressure on existing wetlands . 4 Today, Pequot Lakes contains over 500 acres of wetlands, most of which are located around lakes.The wetlands 5 vary from inland swamps and herbaceous wetlands to open ponds. Because of their contribution to environmental 6 health, economic development, and quality of life for local citizens, the City of Pequot Lakes seeks to protect 7 I existing wetlands and work to 4;rr.�rec ensure their natural function. 8 SOILS AND GEOLOGY 9 The last glaciers to cover Central Minnesota deposited large quantities of sand and gravel over the area now 10 occupied by Pequot Lakes. Today, nearly 75 percent of land area features sandy outwash plains over sandstone 11 bedrock. While the plains provide good building sites, the sand over sand feature is highly susceptible to 12 groundwater contamination, which must be considered for new development that is not supported by the 13 municipal sewer system, particularly in the well-head protection area. With *RGFeasing evideRee that Friany 14 15 Soil suitability for various types of construction projects and land uses also help to determine where the City of 16 Pequot Lakes should direct future development. In 1957,Crow Wing County compiled a Soil Survey that identified 17 I areas suitable for various types of development. By directing growth to the most suitable area that eaA suppei#it 18 , the City of Pequot 19 Lakes can accommodate future growth without compromising groundwater quality. 20 SLOPE AND TOPOGRAPHY 21 Slope and topography serve as important determinants of potential development areas. Development and altered 22 gradients along slopes can result in restricted scenic views and vistas, and can contribute to erosion and slope 23 instability.Although Pequot Lakes is rather flat, it contains several hilly areas located in the northern portion of the 24 City. These hilly moraines featuring sandy soils on moderately steep slopes are particularly vulnerable to 25 disturbances caused by development. t nree a%asr ..ffeF . views „ likely to be targeted f futuice d , t 26 the City of Peguet Lakes must take aetien te pFeseFye tl�iei:p f9F futuice stability and eiaijeyment ef all FesideRts and 27 visiters f 28 AIR QUALITY AND NATURAL SCENERY 29 Residents and visitors in Pequot Lakes value and enjoy clean air and quiet tranquility, largely due to the area's 30 I many forests and overall lack of traffic congestion. As development continues and the number of people using 31 automobiles and recreational vehicles increases, air and noise pollution could become potential problems. By 32 encouraging alternative forms of transportation that connect residents and visitors to destinations in the area- 33 including shuttles and multiple use trails — the City of Pequot Lakes can prevent air pollution from becoming a 34 problem. To maintain the current levels of air and noise quality, the City should also protect trees for air 35 I purification and noise reduction,enact regulations and designated-use areas for off-road recreational vehicles,and 36 promote alternative energy such as fuel cells and wind and solar power. 37 Visual pollution in the form of litter, signs, billboards, and bright lights also detract from Pequot Lakes' natural 38 setting. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the beauty of the north woods, whether it involves strolling through 131 Page