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<br />[Q) ~ffi\ rFlf <br /> <br />be suitable for development include characteristics such as being completely covered <br />by floodplain/wetlands, previously permitted for aggregate mining, and city-owned land <br />(parks). <br /> <br />For some of the recommended parcels, property access prevented a field inventory. <br />These are noted in the project data base as recommended for additional field <br />inventory. Where additional surveys are recommended, they should occur prior to <br />development, most preferably in advance of submittal of development documents to <br />the City by the developer. This will allow for the gathering of solid field information <br />enabling sound decision-making about natural areas, as well as minimizing the cost of <br />such a process to both the City and developer. The following page shows parcels <br />identified as being suitable for cluster development and other non-standard design <br />methods. <br /> <br />Sites to Consider for Proactive Management/Protection <br />There are a number of remnant natural areas within city-owned property or occur on <br />recreational/historic properties that have significant natural communities. Based on <br />field observations, we recommend these areas be (further) managed. This may <br />include the creation of site-specific Natural Resource Management Plans and/or on- <br />the-ground management. It is also important to note that these natural areas may be <br />good candidates for grant/foundation funding to complete these activities, reducing or <br />stretching the financial resources dedicated by the City. <br /> <br />City-owned Natural Areas <br />The City owns a number of properties with moderate to high quality natural areas that <br />have good restoration potential. Many of these occur in City Parks. Some of the City <br />Park areas appear to be actively managed, while others are not. Below is a brief list of <br />City-owned natural areas that stand out as having high quality resources and <br />recommended next steps for management. <br /> <br />Non-City-owned Historical/Recreation Properties <br />There are two historical/recreation areas within the City of Elk River that have natural <br />areas of significance. These include the Elk River Sportsmen Club and the Kelley <br />Farm. The former is a private club that supports barrens prairie and savanna of <br />statewide significance. The Kelley Farm is a property run by the Minnesota Historical <br />Society that has a significant amount of remnant oak communities and planted prairie. <br />