07/26/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Metro n n IV Metropolitan Council Working fir the Region, Planning foram Pfdure 2 A Growth Strategy for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Addressing Natural Resources in the- Comprehensive Plan In many communities, comprehensive planning is well underway. Whether you are just beginning a plan or are nearing completion on a plan update, the following information about natural resources, recently compiled by the Department of Natural Resources, should be useful to you. The inclusion of a Natural Resource section within your official Comprehensive Plan can provide many tangible benefits (see sidebar). The overall health and identity of communities is intimately linked with lakes, streams, wetlands, forests and other natural resources. Integrating natural resource policies with other community land use, infrastructure, and capital improvement policies lays a strong foundation for sustainability in your community. It is hoped that you • will find the following guidelines and resource list helpfulin developing a natural resource plan. Primary Natural Resource - Related Components of Comprehensive Plans Vision statement In order to ensure citizen support for your plan, a vision statement should be developed with input from a wide variety of citizens representing all of the important sectors of the community. Many vision statements include a description of historical and present natural features to help set the stage for desired future conditions. Your vision statement can be detailed or general, but the goals and policies in subsequent sections should be consistent with its tone. For example, if your community's vision is to grow while protecting the natural environment, it is important that goals and policies address this central vision. Natural areas and open space provide a wide range of benefits prized by Twin Cities residents. Conservation of these areas enhances property values by making communities more attractive. They project water quality and fuel a multi - billion dollar outdoors recreation industry. They provide habitat for animals and a storehouse of biological diversity. In a number of recent polls, Twin Citians have made it clear that such benefits and the natural areas that yield them are a critical part of what they look for in a place to do business and call home. Natural resource inventory and analysis r An inventory of existing natural resources in your community is a critical first step in determining natural resource goals for the community. An inventory collects existing information about soils, waters, wildlife, native plant communities, and other critical natural resources. Analysis and interpretation of this information allows the communication of meaningful results. One widely used format is the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps and analyses. The inventory section should also identify gaps in existing information and outline ways to collect additional data. See the attached resource list Illustration ®1997 Chris Baird, Minneapolis. All rights reserved.