07/26/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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for some sources of inventory information for your community. For examples of inventories conducted by • other communities, call the number at the end of this document. Natural areas and open space Open space is land that is largely unbuilt, including but not limited to natural areas, parks, and agricultural lands. Natural areas are sites largely unaltered by modem human activity, where native vegetation is distributed in naturally occurring patterns. Recreation, protection, and utilization are examples of potential designations for open space in your community. Conservation of open space, especially natural areas, is a broad -sweep approach to address many of the specific considerations listed below. In the open space section, the comprehensive plan often states a specific goal about.the percent of retained open space or designates special areas that the community wants to protect. Land protection tools A variety of tools for protecting open space, such as conservation easements, transfer of development rights, land retirement programs, property tax relief programs, restoration cost share programs, ordinances, public dedication for subdivisions, and land exchanges have been implemented successfully by many communities. The options that would work best for your community should be addressed in the comprehensive plan. See the attached resource list for places to obtain more information about these methods. Considerations for Comprehensive Plan Development Natural resources that should be addressed with specific goals and policies: • Soils • Waters (includes lakes, rivers, wetlands and riparian areas) • Native plant communities (includes forests, wetlands, prairies, and savannas) • Areas with potential for ecological restoration (includes old fields and disturbed woods) • Wildlife • Rare animal and plant species • Agricultural lands • Special geological features • Air quality • Urban forests (includes street trees) Local ordinances Many of the above elements are enforceable through local ordinances that can be supported by the Natural Resource chapter of the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan gives your community a chance to strengthen existing environmental ordinances and calls attention to needs for new ordinances that can aid the community in reaching its natural resource goals. The plan can also specify appropriate special use areas, such as conservation, recreational or agricultural districts. • Clustered development zoning enables developers to protect open spaces in new subdivisions. • Wetland and shoreland protection ordinances are designed to provide buffers that protect wetland habitat and water quality of significant water resources. Tree, woodland, bluffland, and steep slope preservation ordinances are designed to protect valued natural resources at all times and minimize development and construction damage. Illustration ®1997 Chris Baird, Minneapolis. All rights reserved.