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<br />[Q)~~~u <br /> <br />cases than the "stick" approach, and may be more viable when potential "taking" is an <br />issue. <br /> <br />In addition to changes in existing ordinances or adoption of new ordinances, the City <br />can consider a variety of "carrot" approaches in addition to the Open Space Plat to <br />encourage city residents to protect the natural resources on their properties, including <br />the following: <br />. Provide information and education to homeowners about the special features <br />on their properties. Many landowners will take great pride in knowing that they <br />have something special on their land, and will be eager to leam about how best <br />to manage it. <br />. Inform property owners about options to donate their land as parks and open <br />space, or protect it with a conservation easement. For some property owners, <br />donation of land or easements provide financial and tax benefits. <br />. Identify grants or other public programs that provide financial or educational <br />benefits to owners of natural areas <br />. Work with developers or property owners to encourage design strategies that <br />protect and improve the quality of resources. <br />. The DNR Website (http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/assistance/landprot.pdf) contains <br />the resource Land Protection Options, a Handbook for Minnesota Landowners. <br />This is an outstanding tool to help individual landowners better understand their <br />options, and also for city staff as a resource to help positively engage interested <br />property owners. <br />. Another important resource for private landowners is the publication Beyond the <br />Suburbs: A Landowner's Guide to Conservation Manaqement. This resource <br />can also be found on the MN DNR website at: <br />http://files.dnr.state . m n. us/forestrv/beyond suburbs. pdf <br />. The City can also continue to set a good example for other landowners by <br />protecting or restoring natural areas on city-owned properties. <br /> <br />Parcel Evaulation <br />As part of this project Bonestroo ecologists identified parcels greater than 40 acres in <br />size that are thought to be suitable for non-standard development design methods <br />such as cluster development. This was accomplished after field work was completed <br />to enable thorough evaluation of natural areas data in relation to ordinances and <br />parcels. This evaluation focused on areas that have development potential with <br />upland natural areas, particularly those of some quality. Areas that are thought not to <br />