Orono Community Management Plan 2020-2040

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CMP Part 3A. Environmental Protection Plan City of Orono Community Management Plan 2020-2040 Part 3A, Page 18 5. Protect the City's ground water resources from pollution and from depletion. 6. Protect the City from air, water and noise pollution. 7. Preserve, conserve, and enhance open space, light and air, including solar access for all properties. 8. Preserve a reasonable amount of native woodlands as an integral part of Orono's heritage. 9. Protect and preserve a reasonable amount of natural wildlife habitat in woodlands and wetlands. 10. Protect the land from soil erosion and the hazards of dust and siltation. 11. Preserve greenways and open space corridors. 12. Promote conservation and enhancement of the quality of surface water and wetlands throughout Orono, particularly Lake Minnetonka. 13. Ensure the preservation and enhancement of the existing "rural character" of the city. 14. Preserve Orono’s night skies and minimize light pollution. General Policies For Natural Resource Management 1. Orono will promote and support the formulation and implementation of environmental protection policies by other Lake Minnetonka area municipalities and responsible government agencies. 2. Environmental protection policies will continue to be utilized in the formation of all other goals and policies in this CMP. Orono's commitment to environmental quality is carried throughout each element in this comprehensive plan, coloring the goals, policies and implementation practices in every facet of municipal responsibility. 3. Development density will be limited to a level which will not overload the natural surface water drainage and filtration system. 4. Surface water runoff will be directed through the natural drainage system. Direct runoff into the lake will be avoided and will be prohibited whenever possible. 5. Natural drainageways will be favored over artificial storm sewers. Where storm sewers are needed, all efforts shall be taken to minimize their impacts on receiving waters. 6. The wetlands and marshlands of the city will be protected and preserved as wildlife habitats, as unique open spaces, and as the only economically practical method of flood protection and storm water runoff filtration. Orono’s recently updated wetland protection ordinances in concert with the additional regulatory authority of the MCWD, the MnDNR, MnBWSR and the Corps of Engineers will continue to provide an aggressive program to retain and enhance the viability of the City’s wetlands.