04/12/2000 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE PROJECT "Integrating Natural Resource Guidance to Enhance Smart Growth , in Wildland-Urban Interface Communities" January 2000 - September 2001 Briefing Paper on Local Unit of Government - Development Collaboration The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) (with support from the USDA Forest Service) is kicking off a new project called the "Wildland Urban Interface" project. This project has two primary parts - one working with local units of government and the other to develop a guidebook for landowners to better manage their natural resources. This paper is on the first of these - a collaborative project with 1 or 2 local units. Background: Need & Response All communities are facing significant challenges in accommodating new development while conserving critical resources. This situation is complicated by the existence of many types of environmental review which are not always well integrated nor as timely as they could be. Now, on top of that we're hearing about "smart growth" and wondering how all that relates. In response, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is starting a new effort aimed at providing more useful and better integrated assistance to local governments and landowners dealing with development on the urban fringe (also called the "wildland -urban interface). As DNR develops and refines its ways of providing guidance and assistance, DNR Metro Region staff will collaborate with selected local units to determine the best ways to work together. This project is possible at this time because the DNR received a modest grant from the USDA Forest Service to cover some expenses for a project on "Integrating Natural Resource Guidance to Enhance Smart Growth in Wildland -Urban Interface Communities ". Thus, the DNR will provide some real, hands -on assistance and resources to 1 or 2 local units who are interested in working with the DNR over the next 18 months to address habitat/woodland preservation, wildfire, forest health, greenways, natural resources management, water quality, smart growth, and related issues. (See separate page on "Issues" for more complete list of the topics the DNR would like to address through this project.) Project Purpose & Scope The DNR (in cooperation with the Minnesota Land Trust) will be working collaboratively with ne or two cities (also referred to here as local units of government - LUG's) in creating land tvelopment and management tools which better incorporate natural resource conservation goals. itural resource assessment and policy /plans will be addressed at the "landscape" scale - 'ering the whole jurisdiction for each city. Another component of the project on subdivision gn is proposed to be done on.only 1 specific site and therefore can only be done with one An interdisciplinary team of DNR Metro Region staff will be contributing to the project. •