07/26/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Environmentally sensitive areas ordinances or conservation district overlays can help protect valued open spaces and the biological diversity of important natural areas. Best Management Practices Whenever possible, Best Management Practices (BMP) guidelines should be followed for projects in your community. The comprehensive plan can reflect this goal by referencing BMP guidelines that have been developed cooperatively by citizens, agencies, and private non -profit organizations. To date, BMP guidelines have been developed for protecting wetland and water quality and visual quality (see Resource List). Another management consideration to address is the protection of natural resources during development, including providing for adequate open space in development plans, and identifying sensitive areas that should remain undeveloped. Biological diversity Biological diversity refers to the wide variety of living organisms, the genetic differences among them, and the ecosystems in which they occur. Natural areas are the most important source of native biological diversity, and can be found in many communities throughout Minnesota. Your community can conserve local biological diversity by expressing a commitment to avoid fragmentation of natural areas and by maintaining and creating green corridors that connect open space. You can submit -a data request form to find out about important natural areas and rare plants and animals living in your community. Call the DNR's Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program at (651) 296 -8324 to obtain a form. Committing to the use of native Minnesotan plant species on city projects and eradication of invasive exotic species are other ways that your community can enhance local biological diversity. These guidelines were developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Metro Region office. For more information, call Meredith Cornett, Community Forest Ecologist, at (651) 772- 7574. Resource List Note: Copies marked * are available from the DNR upon request by calling the number listed or the number above. Information on many natural resource topics can be found on the DNR's website: http:/lwww.dnr.state.mn.us Vision statement Nassauer, J.I., B. Halverson, and S. Roos. 1997. Bringing garden amenities into your neighborhood: Infrastructure for ecological quality, a guidebook for cities and citizens. University of Minnesota, Department of Landscape Architecture. 48 pp. Natural resource inventory * Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Metro Region. 1998. Natural resource county maps (updated versions soon available from the Metro GIS Coordinator (651) 772 - 6150). * Minnesota Department of Natural Resources GIS data layers. http : / /grouse.dnr.state.mn.us /gis (website). Minnesota Planning, Land Management Information Center. EPPL7 and EPIC GIS Data. (Two data sets packaged on one CD -ROM, with information about climate, ecology, Illustration ®1997 Chris Baird, Minneapolis. All rights reserved.