5.10. SR 12-20-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Introduction Project Background The City of Elk River lies in the southeast comer of Sherbume County, within 40 minutes of the large urban center of Minneapolis-St Paul, Despite this close proximity, the area still supports a significant complement of natural areas amid farm fields, pastures, and rural development City staff, officials, and others recognize the role that natural areas and rural vistas play an important role in attracting people to the area and in contributing to the quality of life here, Local officials and residents also recognize that these natural amenities offer concrete benefits, as well. These areas provide opportunities for active and passive recreation, wildlife habitat, and can serve as buffers for commercial and residential development The aesthetic qualities and desirability of these natural areas also increases the value of properties located near them. These areas also serve somewhat more intangible purposes that provide significant economic benefit, such as filtering stormwater runoff. This, in tum, helps to protect groundwater quality and can reduce flooding problems. In the spring of 2004, the City of Elk River retained Bonestroo Natural Resources to conduct land cover classification mapping and natural areas assessment The process began with a public Open House held at Lion's Club Park Center in May 2004. During the same period, aerial photos were reviewed and the owners of land parcels greater than five acres that appeared to support natural areas were contacted by letter respectfully requesting permission to visit potential natural areas on their property. Field work for this inventory was conducted from July to September 2004 to coincide with the height of plant growth for the dominant plant community types in the city (prairie and savanna). On-the-ground vegetation surveys were accomplished using a system adapted from classification and qualitative assessment methods similar to those used by the MN DNR Natural Heritage Program. Information gathered in the field was then evaluated using standardized ecological criteria developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, providing information about natural community type and quality. Land cover type mapping of was accomplished using the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS), Version 5.4 This mapping system is used to distinguish between different types of land cover based on the amount and type of City of Elk River, MN - Natural Resouce Inventory Bonestroo Natural Resources, September 2004 1