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CHAPTER 3 PROTECTION OPEN SPACE 44 <br /> INTRODUCTION <br /> The protection of the environment is an essential element of Planning. A method of <br /> preserving sensitive natural land features is through the dedication of open space. Open <br /> space is best described as that portion of the community, excluding private lots and public <br /> right-of-way, which remains undeveloped. Open space is intended to benefit the community <br /> as a whole in contrast to private open space, which is solely for the enjoyment of the <br /> individual landowner. The purpose of open space is to protect natural resources or features <br /> and set the character of the community. <br /> We have traditionally viewed land and many other natural things in terms of what they <br /> do for people. While our value system has included aesthetics, the primary emphasis has <br /> been on economics. Open space usually takes the back seat when viewed in this manner. <br /> Although wetlands, rivers, trees and other features appear to be insignificant and inactive <br /> to the casual viewer, they are, in fact, an active, integral part of everyone's life support <br /> system._ The natural environment provides us with clean air and water, recreation and scenic <br /> beauty. It can soften the starkness of an urban setting and increase or decrease our costs for <br /> energy, food and development. With this knowledge, it is possible to provide stronger <br /> justification for protecting and managing the natural environment for man's health, safety and <br /> welfare. <br /> Some opportunities to preserve open space in New Brighton have been permanently lost. <br /> Therefore, the City must attempt to preserve and capitalize on the remaining open space <br /> opportunities. <br /> GOAL: PROTECTION OPEN SPACE <br /> The City must attempt to preserve and capitalize on the remaining opportunities for open <br /> space preservation and management. <br /> OPEN SPACE ISSUES <br /> This section of the plan uses the outline contained in the Protection Open Space Chapter <br /> of the Metropolitan Council's Development Guide. It contains the following sub-sections: <br /> a. Water basins and Watercourses <br /> b. Wetlands <br /> c. Groundwater Recharge Areas <br /> d. Floodplains <br /> e. Erodible Slopes <br /> f. Forest and Woodlands <br /> g. Soils and Severe Limitations <br />