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<br />o Incorporate semi-natural communities --into the greenway system as <br />corridors to connect and/or buffer the highest quality remaining natural areas <br />within the city. <br />o Restore/reconstruct natural areas --to provide connectivity between natural <br />or semi-natural areas (especially good quality sites) suitable for inclusion with <br />greenways <br />o Incorporate water resources and large permanent wetland systems within <br />the corridor (directly or indirectly). Wetlands, lakes, and streams provide <br />beneficial wildlife habitat and are not likely suitable for development <br />o Consider opportunities for recreation and pedestrian movement through <br />the greenway system. Co-aligning natural and recreation features should be <br />done 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 several 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 funding/in-kind assistance that is available. One of <br />these is the MN DNR, which periodically offers funding for planning efforts such as <br />this. Information regarding the MN DNR's financial assistance programs may be found <br />at: <br />htto.//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 /> <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 /> <br />City of Elk River. MN - Natural Resouce Inventory <br />Bonestroo Natural Resources, September 2004 <br /> <br />41 <br />