Agenda - Council - 05/11/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Natural Resources and Environmental Management Plan Goals and Objectives The following goals and objectives are general statements of intent that focus on the natural resource issues identified through the planning process and in other required planning efforts such as the Water Plan and the Solid Waste Plan. Goals are broadly worded, while objectives define major themes under each goal. Stearns County set a number of natural resource goals in its 1998 Comprehensive Plan. Many of the 1998 Plan goals are still valid and have been reaffirmed by the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Some goals from 1998 have been modified or simplified, and the CAC has identified some new priorities for natural resources. Additional new goals reflect goal statements in the Water Plan and Solid Waste Plan. Finally, natural resource goals are also included in the Land Use chapter of this Plan, reflecting the significant overlap of land use choices and the functioning of natural systems. Goal 1. Preserve important natural systems. Objective I, Identify the suitability of natural systems and resources for development or use. Objective 2. Develop strong performance standards to preserve sensitive natural features and systems. Objective 3. Preserve watershed functions for high -quality surface waters and recreation areas, and provide for restoration of watershed function for impaired waters. Objective 4. Recognize natural systems as critical infrastructure, equivalent to other kinds of infrastructure in assuring the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for County residents, visitors, and businesses. Objective 5. Minimize the alteration of wetlands. Goal 2. Assure the reasonable and responsible use of the County's natural resources, including land, surface and ground water, minerals, open space, wetlands, wildlife, and woodlands. Objective 1. Provide for the managed, sustainable use of mineral, soil, water, and timber resources Objective 2. Protect large wooded tracts and special habitats through preservation, conservation development standards, and promoting strong stewardship efforts by individuals and private organizations.. Objective 3, Recognize the carrying capacity of groundwater and surface water in development and use decisions. Objective 4, Encourage use of renewable energy systems, including wind energy and solar energy, which reduce the footprint of development on local and global natural systems. Goal 3. Protect the County's agricultural natural resources. Objective 1, Protect agricultural soils and other agricultural resources by regulating non- agricultural land uses in areas with, agricultural soils. Objective 2. Encourage sustainable agricultural practices that protect agricultural soils and waters for future generations.