Envision Shakopee

2 PROTECT AND PRESERVE SHAKOPEE’S

2B 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

OPEN SPACE AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES

2C Maintain a healthy urban tree canopy

Goals & Strategies 6

2A 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

ENVISION SHAKOPEE | SECTION V: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

349