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nroject Understanding <br />A natuia/ resources inventory is a key <br />component ofyourp/arming efforts.. <br />O Project Understanding <br />The City of Elk River Ties along the Mississippi River, within the quickly <br />developing corridor between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud. EII< River is <br />host to a range of desirable natural features, including unique Iandforms, <br />quality natural communities and rare plants and animals. <br />Elk River has had an average growth rate of four percent per year for the <br />last decade, and this rate of growth is IiI<ely to continue or, more likely, <br />increase as the corridor between the Twin Cities and S[ Cloud develops. <br />You recognize the pressure this growth will place on its natural <br />resources. As a result, you are moving proactively to complete a sound, <br />science-based inventory of existing resources. This natural resources <br />inventory (NRI) is a key component of your planning efforts and will form <br />the foundation for land use planning efforts and decisions. The inventory <br />will be used to: <br />Guide development of your goals for resource conservation and <br />management <br />Identify priorities for resource management <br />Evaluate current management practices <br />Guide policy development <br />Provide information for parks, open space, trails and greenway <br />planning <br />Within most communities, residents display a strong interest in <br />maintaining a high quality of life. Preserving natural communities and <br />open spaces is often an important part of this lifestyle goal. Such areas <br />provide opportunities for active and passive recreation, wildlife habitat, <br />scenic vistas and buffers between developed areas and can serve as <br />landmarks or distinguishing features for the local community. Property <br />values may increase in proximity to natural open spaces. A natural <br />resource inventory is an important step in planning for these natural <br />features and serves to preserve both the cultural and natural heritage of <br />Elk River. <br />Urban growth is also important to the well-being of many communities; <br />however, when growth occurs in environmentally sensitive areas, <br />wildlife, forest, soils and water resources could be negatively impacted. A <br />natural resource inventory of EII< River will be a tool [o effectively <br />manage and protect natural resources from development while allowing <br />growth. <br />,~ Ciry of E/k R/ver 2 <br />~~~ NaLU(a/ Resources lnveofory <br />