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• Maintain, replace, or expand local facilities and infrastructure to meet growth and <br />development needs. <br />• Prepare local water supply, wellhead protection, wastewater, and local surface water <br />plans as required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. <br />• Plan land use patterns that facilitate groundwater recharge, reuse, and reduce per capita <br />water use to protect the region's water supply. <br />• Plan for sustainable water supply options and groundwater recharge areas to promote <br />development in accordance with natural resources protection and efficient use of land. <br />• Partner with other water supply providers to explore options to reduce dependence on <br />groundwater. <br />• Develop plans to improve conditions for and encourage walking and bicycling where <br />appropriate. <br />Natural Resources Protection <br />Conserve, restore, and protect the region's natural resources to ensure ongoing <br />availability, to support public health, and to maintain a high quality of life. <br />An abundance of natural resources has long contributed to the vibrancy of our region. The <br />region is home to a variety of natural habitats, ranging from wooded riverine habitats along the <br />Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers to large wetland complexes like that in Carlos Avery Wildlife <br />Management Area to trout streams like Valley Creek in Washington County. As discussed <br />earlier in Thrive, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has identified Regionally <br />Significant Ecological Areas, which designates the high quality natural habitats around the <br />region. This identification is a useful tool to guide agencies and local governments in <br />coordinating their conservation and protection efforts. <br />Integrating natural resources into our development patterns helps to create livable <br />neighborhoods and desirable places to <br />visit. Incorporating natural areas and <br />trees into neighborhoods adds to a <br />community's sense of place, as well as <br />providing opportunities to interact with the <br />natural environment on a daily basis. <br />Some of the natural areas can also <br />increase opportunities for outdoor <br />recreation and exercise, especially when <br />planned as part of the neighborhood <br />fabric. <br />This integrated method of development <br />and redevelopment, or incorporating <br />green infrastructure, can provide other <br />benefits, such as assist in the <br />management of stormwater and reducing <br />flood damage. Trees in the urban area <br />not only provide shade for neighborhoods <br />and pedestrians, but also help to <br />DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT <br />Last revised: February 21, 2014 <br />Figure 2. Prime Agricultural Land <br />66 <br />