7.1. SR 05-05-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk Elk River Comp ehensive Plan River Existing Natural Resource Information Natural resources can be defined as materials or substances such as gravel, forests, water, and land that occur in nature and can be used for economic benefit. This economic benefit can be characterized as the benefit of using rich gravel resources to support the local and state economy as well as preserving open spaces to enhance the community and wildlife. Elk River's natural resources, including the Elk and Mississippi Rivers, bluffs, lakes, wetlands and wooded areas, natural open space and views, all add to the unique and defining characteristics. As future development and redevelopment occurs, Elk River's challenge will be to link these new and redeveloped areas to its existing fabric, with an eye toward the existing natural resources. There are many sources of existing information available to the City in reviewing and developing a plan related to natural resources. These resources include the following: National Wetland Inventory (NWI): Mapping provided by the US Fish and Wildlife Service that provides general information about the location and type of wetlands. The NWI information is shown in Figure 9 -1 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Public Waters /Wetlands Inventory (PWI): The DNR has jurisdiction over larger wetland and open water waterbodies. These water bodies are also shown on Figure 9-1. Land use inventory: The City's land use inventory provides guidance on proposed land uses for the area. Floodplain Data: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides maps that show the floodplain within a community. Generally, development is not allowed or is restricted in these areas. The floodplain is shown in Figure 9 -2. Minnesota County Biological Survey Data (Sites of Biodiversity Significance): The DNR, through the County Biological Survey, has identified areas with varying levels of native biodiversity that may contain high quality native plant communities, rare plants, rare animals, and /or animal aggregations. A biodiversity significance rank (outstanding, high, moderate, or below) is assigned on the basis of the number of rare species, the quality of the native plant communities, size of the site, and context within the landscape. MCBS Sites that are found to be disturbed are given the Biodiversity Significance rank of "Below." Figure 9 -3 shows this information. The rating code is based on the data provided by the DNR at the time of the survey and may or may not still be applicable. Minnesota Land Cover Classification System: As part of the City's Natural Resources Inventory project, the existing land cover was mapped within the City using the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System ( MLCCS). This is a methodology standardized by state agencies to classify land cover and identify native plant communities. City of Elk River Natural Resources Inventory (2004): The Elk River Natural Resources Inventory is incorporated by reference into the Comprehensive Plan. This report contains background information on the landscape history of Elk River as well as the results of the MLCCS survey. This data is more accurate and up to date than the County Biological Survey Data, although it should be noted that not all areas within the City granted property access to field review the land cover. Connection opportunities map: The map was developed as part of the 2004 Comprehensive Plan and provides information about potential greenway connections. Natural Resource Inventory Conceptual Greenways /Corridors Map: A greenway is generally defined as a linear corridor exhibiting a natural environment. Focus is on protecting ecological resources and providing wildlife and trail corridors. Secondary use is for trails, assuming that they can be integrated without compromising the integrity of the natural systems. Gravel Resources: Elk River is rich in gravel resources and gravel is an important natural resource for the economy of Minnesota. Chapter 9: Environmental Resources / 97