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NATURAL RESOURCES
<br /> INTENT
<br /> Pre�serve and enhance the health,beauty and ecolagical function of the area's natural resources,lncluding rare plant
<br /> and animal spectes, wildlife, forests, lakes, streams, wetlands, groundwater, soils and slopes, air and other
<br /> envi�onmental amenities.
<br /> BACKGROUND
<br /> A maJor component of sustainable de�elopment fs environmental beauty,health,and function,all of which pro�de
<br /> the foundation for economic activity and quality of life in Pequot Lakes.Pequot Lakes'natural resources are its most
<br /> distinguishing feature and greatest asset,and the primary reason resfdents and visitors are drawn to the area.With
<br /> the increasing affluence and mobflfty of the 199d's, peaple migrated to live and recreate in areas with hi;gh scenic
<br /> amenitfes featuring farests,hllls and water,which are plentiful in Pequot Lakes.
<br /> Residents are concerned about potential loss of the area's natural and rural charader,fragmentation of forest and
<br /> wetland ecosystems,and water contamination in area takes from increased development.Given the rapid rate of
<br /> population growth and development over the past 20 years,Pequot Lakes must manage future grawth In a manner
<br /> that reflects its commitment to preserving its natural resources.By identifying and protecting iEs signiflcant natural
<br /> features,Pequot Lakes can accommodate future growth writhaut compromising the very assets that make the area
<br /> a prime destination. Wildlife and rare species, forests and native plant communities, water resources, soifs and
<br /> geology,topographic features,and air antl visual quallty must all be wnsidered in future land use decisions.
<br /> WILDUFE ANQ RARE SPECIES
<br /> Pequot Lakes fs home to a diverse array of wildlife species including deer, mink, pine martens, warblers,
<br /> woadpeckers, loons and other waterfowl.Several rare and threatened plant and animal species currently live in
<br /> Pequot Lakes,including the Blanding's turtle,Bald eagle,Red-shouldered hawk,Least darter, herons,and Leafless
<br /> Water milfoil (which differs from the highly (nvasive Eurasian milfofl). Future development threatens these
<br /> papulations by fragmenting and degrading exlsting habitat,introducing invasive specles and disease,and leading to
<br /> fncreased human use and potentlal human-wildlife cenfllcts. Buffers around prime habitat and corrldors linking
<br /> habitat patches can safeguard wfldlffe from future development by promoting movement,reducing human-wildlife
<br /> conflict, and protecting pr(me food sources, sheRer and mating areas. The City of Pequot Lakes can also pursue
<br /> complementary uses,such as creating recreational areas near turtle,eagle,and heron habitat,and agriculture and
<br /> open space near hawk habitat
<br /> FORESTS AND NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES
<br /> Prior to European settlement,Pequot Lakes was covered primarily by Red and White Pine.The expansion of railroads
<br /> to the area resulted in heavy logging from 1870-1920.Today,nearly 55 percent of the land within Pequot Lakes is
<br /> forested,featuring stands af pines,spruce,fir,aspen,and mixed hardwoods of varying ages.The dfverse mix of tree,
<br /> shrub,and ground cover pravides habitat for species requiring core forest habitat as well as those requlring edge
<br /> forest hatirtat.Forests also cont�ibute to natural beauty and provide a buffer to development by
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