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<br />Control Stormwater <br />Presence of vegetation in the form of a forest or grassland will significantly slow the flow of <br />water on areas with a slope. This will reduce the floodwater flowing into local drainage <br />systems, streams, rivers and lakes. Vegetation will significantly slow the movement of <br />floodwater, which is good for people and aquatic organisms. Water flowing slowly across a <br />landscape will therefore be available to recharge aquifers. <br />Viewshed <br />The aesthetic qualities of regions identified by the NRI make these regions a desired place to <br />live. In many situations, housing developments will fragment the viewshed and therefore <br />decrease its value from an aesthetic quality. Viewsheds of this regions native landscapes of <br />oak savanna, forest and majestic rivers and wetlands, positively affect the human spirit. This <br />is one of the reasons why the earlier settlers and many citizens today are attracted to this <br />region. If fragmented by development most if not all of the large parcel of natural <br />landscape, presently not protected, will be lost in the city of Elk River. <br />Property Values <br />People increasingly recognize that the preservation of natural areas and habitat adds value to <br />built communities and private property. Studies indicate that property adjacent to preserved <br />natural areas increase in value by as much as 20 percent. <br />Recreation <br />Natural and scenic settings for recreation make Elk River an enjoyable place to live. Creating <br />opportunities for outdoor recreation is one of the primary missions of the Parks and <br />Recreation Commission. The goal of preserving open space and greenway corridors aligns <br />with the goals of the Park Commission, and enhances the quality of recreational <br />opportunities. <br />Protection and Management Strategies <br />These strategies may assume a variety of forms including regulatory requirements, incentives, <br />or a combination of both. The following is a list of strategies for natural resource <br />preservation. Effective preservation of natural areas will likely involve a variety of strategies. <br /> <br />Fee Simple Acquisition <br />