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WOODLANDS <br />a. Inventory <br />WOODLANDS <br />b. Plan <br />8. WOODLANDS <br />A forest is a large expanse of trees consisting of wooded <br />vegetation and related wildlife. A woodland differs from <br />a forest because of its smaller land area. It also <br />includes farm woodlots, shelterbelts, and windbreaks. <br />Ramsey's woodlands line much of the Mississippi shoreline, <br />as well as the Rum River, Trott and Ford Brooks (see Map 4, <br />Woodlands). Concentrations of woodlands are found between <br />Lake Itasca and Trott Brook and around some of the wetland <br />areas. Other woodland areas in the community consist of <br />scattered clusters of former windrows, shelterbelts, and <br />farm woodlots. <br />The concern for protecting woodlands extends beyond their <br />recreational and aesthetic benefits. Woodlands moderate <br />climatic conditions, such as high winds and flooding, and <br />thereby assist in protection of the watershed from siltation <br />and erosion. In addition, the ground within a woodland <br />area can act as a natural air filter, absorbing some air <br />pollutants. Woodlands also moderate temperature extremes. <br />While larger tracts of trees are protected by Federal and <br />State Preserves, a significant amount of our woodland areas <br />are subject to the potential threat of urban development. <br />Another threat to the woodlands is disease. With the <br />spread of Dutch Elm and Oak Wilt to many of the woodlands, <br />communities must consider the need for a special <br />replanting effort. Recognizing the need for replanting, <br />the City is planning to plant $3,200 worth of trees <br />on the site of the City Hall. As for planting on <br />private lands, citizens may avail themselves of the <br />Department of Natural Resource's (DNR) or the Soil Con- <br />servation Service's (SCS) Reforestation Program. The <br />DNR program offers numerous species of seedlings (14 "- <br />16" tall) in minimum quantities of 500 for $25 -$35. The <br />SCS also offers a variety of seedlings (9 " -20" tall) in <br />minimum quantities of 25 for $4.00. <br />Total preservation of woodlands or forests may not be <br />desired, nor in the best public interest. However, a <br />choice need not be made between total preservation or <br />nothing at all. Preservation of existing mature trees <br />within developed areas can be accomplished by requiring <br />16 <br />• <br />