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<br />[Q) [Riffi\~u <br /> <br />. Incorporate semi-natural communities into the greenway system as corridors to <br />connect and/or buffer the highest quality remaining natural areas within the city. <br />. Restore/reconstruct natural areas in places where no natural or semi-natural <br />areas currently occur between areas suitable for joining with greenways (i.e. <br />high quality natural areas) <br />. Incorporate water resources and large permanent wetland systems within the <br />corridor (directly or indirectly). Wetlands, lakes, and streams provide beneficia/ <br />wildlife habitat and are not likely able to be developed <br />. Consider opportunities for recreation and pedestrian movement through the <br />greenway system. Co-aligning natural and recreation features should be done <br />in a manner that ensures no negative impacts to sensitive natural areas. <br /> <br />Within the City of Elk River, there are many opportunities to develop a viable <br />greenways system as the city grows over the next ten to twenty years. <br /> <br />As well, Elk River's water features provide significant wildlife habitat and opportunities <br />for recreation including the Mississippi River, Lake Orono, and severa/large wetland <br />systems. These represent another opportunity to connect and buffer higher quality <br />natural resources and wildlife habitat corridors within the city. <br /> <br />As the city begins considering more comprehensive greenway/corridor planning, there <br />are several outside sources of fundinglin-kind assistance that is available. One of <br />these is the MN DNR, who periodically offers funding for planning efforts such as this. <br />Information regarding the MN DNR's financial assistance programs may be found at: <br />http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/qrants/index.htm!. <br /> <br />Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Review: <br />Bonestroo ecologists reviewed existing city subdivision requirements and provide <br />recommendations on how these can be updated. <br /> <br />Overview <br />The Natural Resources Inventory provides the City with extensive data related to the <br />location and quality of natural resources in the city. The City can use this information <br />as a basis for updating its current environmental ordinances, or for developing new <br />approaches for protecting and enhancing its natural resources. <br />