01-24-2000 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 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. The Harza Study, the 208 Water guality Management Study, and Orono's Surface Water Management Plan all recommend this approach to permanent water quality management for Lake Minnetonka. In addition, the Orono Plan goes on to identify individual wetlands and marshlands that require protection as part of the City's storm water management program. It is the policy of this plan to effectuate the policies and recommendations of the 1974 Orono Surface Water Management Plan. Protection of the city 's marshland, wetlands and drainageways shall include protection of adjoining lands and prevention of drainage, filling dredging or wetland's vegetation removal. Ordinances will establish setbacks for all land alteration or construction. Wherever possible, the City will acquire open space and flowage easements for conservation of these lands. Protection of lake resources w ill allow reasonable access, use and enjoyment while preventing overcrow ding and excessive encroachment. In conformance with Mn. DNR Shoreline Management regulations for Recreational Development lakes, the City will prohibit overly dense development within 1,000 feet of Lake Minnetonka. Lake use regulations will be promoted to limit excessive boat density and overuse of sensitive bays. Land use regulations will be developed to provide reasonable control over building density, land alteration and lakeshore encroachment. Lake shorelines will be protected from alteration. Natural vegetation in shoreland areas will be preserv'ed insofar as practical and reasonable in order to retard surface runoff and soil erosion, and to utilize excess nutrients. Clearcutting will be prohibited. In areas of soil or wave action erosion, natural stone rip rap shoreline protection will be encouraged. Lake bed alterations will be discouraged because of adverse short-term and long-term effects on water quality. Dredging of lake beds releases large amounts of otherwise trapped nutrients and silt which adversely affects water quality for long periods of time. Dredging of new channels or inlets will not be approved to provide riparian access where none existed naturally. Dredging will be permitted in limited circumstances only where absolutely necessary to maintain existing natural riparian access permanently lost by something beyond the control of the landowner. Periodic low water conditions or the owner's desire for deeper draft watercraft are not sufficient reasons for disrupting sensitive lake beds. CMP 3A - 25 I I 1 1 :i » I ••I •M