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<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 63 <br />year has been warmer than the 20th-century average. Each of the top 10 warmest years on <br />record occurred between 1998 and 2020. These warming trends are expected to continue <br />through the 21st century. <br />• Drought: Extended periods of drought can dry out soils, making them more susceptible to <br />erosion when rains do return. This can lead to a loss of fertile topsoil and increased sediment in <br />waterways. Groundwater depletion during droughts can cause land subsidence, particularly in <br />areas where groundwater is heavily relied upon for agriculture and other uses. <br />• Changes in Vegetation: Vegetation helps to stabilize slopes by binding soil with roots. Changes <br />in vegetation patterns due to climate change, such as increased prevalence of invasive species <br />or loss of native plants, can reduce slope stability and increase landslide risk. Northern tree <br />species in Minnesota, such as paper birch, quaking aspen, balsam fir, and black spruce, may <br />begin to decline and shift further north. In their place, warmer-climate species like maples, oaks, <br />and hickories could become more prevalent. These shifts in tree cover will also bring changes to <br />soil habitats. <br />By understanding these impacts, communities in the Ramsey County can develop more effective <br />strategies for mitigating the risks associated with geologic hazards in the context of a changing climate. <br />3.9.7 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT <br />3.9.7.1 People <br />People living in areas with steep terrain are at greater risk of landslides, and those living in floodplains <br />and river valleys may experience greater incidences of flooding and erosion, leading to increased risk of <br />land subsidence and landslides. Additionally, populations in older cities and towns with aging <br />infrastructure are more susceptible to damage from geologic hazards. Similarly, those living in <br />affordable housing may be located in areas more prone to geologic hazards and may be less structurally <br />resilient. <br />3.9.7.2 Property <br />In residential and commercial areas, houses and critical infrastructure built on or near steep slopes are <br />vulnerable to landslides, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt. Subdivisions built <br />on filled land or areas with unstable soils may be prone to over time. Infrastructure like roads and <br />highways traversing hilly or unstable terrain are susceptible to landslides and slope failures, as are <br />structures spanning rivers or valleys which can be impacted by erosion and subsidence, affecting <br />stability and safety. Geologic hazards can threaten underground infrastructure such as pipelines for <br />water, wastewater, gas, and electricity, as well as communication cables. <br />Based on available data and stakeholder input, there have been no significant developments or land use <br />changes since the last plan update that have increased or decreased the overall risk or exposure to this <br />hazard. <br />3.9.7.3 Environment <br />Landslides and subsidence can fragment habitats and disrupt ecosystems, affecting wildlife and plant <br />communities. Sedimentation from landslides can degrade water quality in rivers, lakes, and streams,