5.10. SR 12-20-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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General Management Strategies for Natural Communities General Management Concepts for all Natural Areas Maintain and Link Together Larger Tracts of Significant Natural Areas Connectivity and size are both important factors affecting the function of natural areas. As a general rule, the larger an area is, the greater the diversity of plants and animals present. Larger natural areas are also more stable and able to withstand the affects of naturally occurring events such as drought, insects and disease, and windstorms. For these reasons, the largest high quality natural areas should be given the highest priority for protection and management. Smaller patches of natural communities and sites with good restoration potential should then be used to link larger areas together. Linkages should consider corridors and natural areas outside the County as well as features within the County. Maintain Undisturbed Vegetative Buffers Around Natural Areas A buffer of undisturbed vegetation can provide a variety of benefits. The buffer should consist of a mixture of trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs, with the mixture dependent on the specific site. Buffers reduce the impacts of surrounding land uses by stabilizing soil to prevent erosion, filtering pollutants, providing habitat areas and cover for animals, and reduce problems related to human activities by blocking noise, glare from lights and reducing disturbance. Even relatively narrow buffers of undisturbed vegetation can provide some benefits, but wider buffers will provide additional screening, water quality, and habitat benefits. Buffers will be most effective if most or all of the landowners around a natural area cooperate to make a continuous buffer. Landowners should avoid cutting vegetation, dumping grass clippings or other debris, and trampling vegetation within buffers. If a path is desired through the buffer, it should be mown or cut only as wide as is necessary for walking, and located so that it does not encourage erosion. Likewise, County trail systems should not be located where they defeat the purpose of natural buffers. Use Plant Species Native to the Area. Native trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs can be planted in buffer areas or in degraded portions of natural areas. Species planted should be indigenous to the region. A good source of information on indigenous plants is the species list provided in Appendix A of this report. Plant species should be chosen based on the specific characteristics of the site including soils, slope, aspect and adjacent natural community types and quality. If possible, restore the site to replace the original natural community type that existed before conversion (i.e., prairie, oak forest). City of Elk River, MN - Natural Resouce Inventory Bonestroo Natural Resources, September 2004 55