03/13/2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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10, • Internal and external DNR actions that would help build a strong natural resource foundation for the statewide initiative are identified below under each of the three major strategic directions. Strategy 1: Engage citizens in planning and decision- making 1) Increase emphasis on early coordination and communication.with local, regional and other state interests on planning and development through comprehensive planning. 2) Continue to provide assistance to local governments and Minnesota Planning in their efforts to engage citizens in implementing the Community -Based Planning Act. Strategy 2: Position and Align State Government for Smart Growth 3) Identify and compile all MN statutes and laws that give DNR authority for natural resource and land use issues related to smart growth. 4) Identify smart growth goals and objectives that can serve as criteria against which DNR's current policies and programs can be critically evaluated. 5) Based on the criteria identified in the second action, ensure that DNR annual or biennial work plans starting with FY 2001 are consistent with smart growth principles. Priority will be shifted from activities that impede smart growth or have mixed effects. This will involve all units that develop work plans. 6) Assess the suitability and flexibility of DNR rules related to shoreland zoning, floodplain regulation, water regulatory controls, and State Wild and Scenic Rivers in attaining smart growth goals. 7) Identify DNR programs that impede smart growth, have mixed effects or promote smart growth. Within the constraints of legal and policy mandates, eliminate or scale back programs that impede smart growth, and refocus programs with mixed effects to increase their positive contributions. Expand programs that are contributing to smart growth. These actions would be undertaken by division and regional management teams. 8) Initiate and seek funding for a statewide Greenways program. Minnesota Greenways is envisioned as a statewide network of public and private natural areas, parks and recreation areas, wildlife habitat, and other open spaces interconnected by land and water corridors. A critical first step is to use GIS technology to identify existing and potential greenways. Minnesota Greenways will rely on collaborative private- public partnerships and voluntary approaches with minimal public land acquisition. 3