PL PACKET 09191995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CHAPTER 3 PROTECTION OPEN SPACE 50 In New Brighton, as in other parts of the Metropolitan Area and the State, wetlands have been viewed as nuisance—obstacles to development and/or low quality land. The vast majority have been drained, filled and developed. Remaining wetlands in the City play an important role in storing and filtering stormwater, removing nutrients, and providing habitat for a host of plants, animals, and birds. Some may serve as groundwater recharge areas. All remaining wetlands should be restricted from any and all kinds of development which would have any adverse impacts on their natural functions. In addition, wetlands and their surrounding environments offer tremendous untapped potential for undeveloped forms of recreations geared toward nature appreciation. GOAL: WETLANDS To preserve all remaining wetlands and associated lands in the City so they may continue to perform their natural functions. OBJECTIVES: WETLANDS 1. Alterations which would inhibit the role of wetlands in the hydrologic system or an • ecological system should not be allowed. 2. Subdivision regulations should require that protection of wetlands be an integral part of public and private land developments. POLICIES: WETLANDS 1. The wetlands in the City will be inventoried and classified. 2. The City will continue to enforce its regulations in regard to altering wetlands. 3. The City will engage the services of a consultant to prepare a plan for managing wetlands and for making them available for public use when appropriate. GROUNDWATER RECHARGE AREAS Groundwater recharge area are lands where water is added to the major groundwater aquifers by force of gravity, usually where a highly permeable soil layer lies close to the surface. Most of the Twin Cities' water supplies depend on the Prairie du Chien and Jordan aquifers. If water is prevented from percolating down to these aquifers, the water supplies