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Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve <br />NATURAL RESOURCES <br />As part of the master planning process, the existing natural resources within the park are examined. Anoka <br />County has maintained a strong commitment to preserving and restoring natural resources within its park, trails <br />and open space system. The expansive 11,000 -acre park <br />system contains a diverse system of wildlife species and <br />natural areas including upland forests, deciduous woodlands, <br />upland prairies, forested wetlands, shrub wetlands and open <br />wetlands. The existing land cover, consistent with the <br />Minnesota Land Cover Classification System, can be found in <br />the Appendix of this document. To manage the natural <br />resources and maintain the parks and trails identity, Anoka <br />County will provide for: <br />• The protection, restoration and enhancement of <br />native plant and animal habitats throughout the park; <br />• Protection and improvement of water and soil <br />resources; <br />• Increase public awareness regarding the diverse <br />natural resources in the area; <br />• Sustainable practices related to park development, <br />operations and maintenance. <br />General natural resources management strategies include <br />identifying and assessing remnant plant and animal <br />communities, monitoring rare species, controlling invasive <br />species, ecologically restoring native plant and animal habitat, <br />controlling detrimental insects and disease, wildlife management, enhancing water quality, erosion control and <br />cooperative land stewardship. <br />Protecting, restoring and enhancing natural resources <br />help to ensure enjoyment of those resources in the <br />future. <br />A sustainable development framework is utilized in all new park and trail development and redevelopment to <br />ensure ecologically sound land stewardship with an emphasis on maintaining the longevity of the facilities for <br />public benefit. <br />The following natural resource management components are an integral part of Anoka County's planning efforts <br />associated with the development and redevelopment of Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve: <br />23 <br />