2040 Comprehensive Plan: Envision Shakopee

2 PROTECT AND PRESERVE SHAKOPEE’S

Identify and follow best practices for wildlife and vegetation management » » Develop a plan to minimize invasive and exotic plants and animals » » Update plan to preserve wildlife habitat and travel corridors » » Conitnue to work with partners to develop a conservation easement program for preserving wildlife habitats » » Develop policies to prevent habitat fragmentation and altering of high-quality natural areas » » Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment » » Improve the community’s overall tree canopy to improve health, safety and wellbeing » » Encourage and promote tree planting on private property by supporting tree sales » » Maintain recognition as Tree City USA » » Continue to expand the urban tree canopy through street and park projects » » As tree canopies improve, consider staffing needs to properly and responsibly care for the asset

2B

OPEN SPACE AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES Identify and follow best practices for open space management » » Continue to protect existing woodlands, bluffs and steep slopes » » Coordinate open space plans with adjacent jurisdictions » » Apply local, state and federal standards and regulations for open space protection, preservation and restoration

2C Maintain a healthy urban tree canopy

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2A

Goals &

Strategies

ENVISION SHAKOPEE | SECTION V: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

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