4.4. SR 11-08-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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[D) [Riffi\~1 Recommendations Conceptual Greenways/Open Space Corridors For the purpose of this report, a greenway is defined as "privately or publicly owned corridors of open space which often follow natural land or water features and which are primarily managed to protect and enhance natural resources". However, greenways can, and often do incorporate active or passive recreational trails, active recreational spaces (such as athletic fields or golf courses), and other public open spaces that may provide rudimentary ecological functions and values. As a part of this project, the ecologists at Bonestroo Natural Resources developed a series of Conceptual Greenways/Corridors shown in the large wall map included in the back pocket of this report. These corridors were developed with the following guiding elements, listed in rough order of priority: . High and Moderate quality natural areas . Semi-natural areas that occur immediately adjacent to natural areas . Bodies of water and large wetland complexes . Natural corridors with natural/semi-natural areas (e.g. streams, drainageways, ridges) . Areas that would serve as logical links between natural and semi-natural areas, particularly those that have potential to be restored to native vegetation The greenways/corridors shown on the following page are conceptual and broad stroke in nature. Therefore, we encourage the city staff, along with its citizen committees and other important stakeholders to undertake a more comprehensive process of defining and locating potential greenways/corridors. Such a process will allow for public input, along with technical guidance from experienced staff in the natural resources field ensuring long-term acceptance of a final product. During a greenway/corridor planning process, we suggest that the city consider the following elements (as a minimum) part of more detailed greenway/corridor planning within the city: . Public ownership - where possible, connect large publicly owned open spaces with natural or semi-natural vegetation within greenway corridors. . Remnant natural areas - where high quality remnant natural areas occur, make efforts to provide connectivity between high quality natural areas/those with potential for hosting rare species and other natural communities.