6.a 3. Natural Resourcesv'
b) Encourage connections to high quality natural areas through natural corridors on
private land in order to allow for wildlife movement among habitats as part of
development.
B Aggregate Resources
In 2000, the Metropolitan Council, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota
Geological Survey collaborated on an aggregate resource inventory of the seven -county
metropolitan area. The inventory identified and categorized likely areas of dolostone deposits,
and sand and gravel deposits. Areas identified as "dolostone" represent significant potential
deposits of Prairie du Chien dolostone suitable for crushed aggregate with less than 10 feet of
overburden. The sand and gravel deposits are classified into three categories according to type
and quality (based on percent of gravel content), thickness of deposit, amount of overlying
material, relationship to water table, and reliability of the mapping. Table III -A summarizes the
estimated areas of the dolostone deposits and the categories of sand and gravel deposits found
in the City of Scandia. Aggregate resource deposits are shown on Figure III -A — Natural and
Special Resources.
DepositsTable 111-A —Acreage of Known
Deposit Type
Size (in acres)
Dolostone
62
Sand & Gravel Deposit, good to excellent quality
649
Sand & Gravel Deposit, moderate to good quality
254
C. Regionally Significant Natural Areas
The MN DNR completed an analysis of regionally significant Terrestrial and Wetland
Ecological Areas in the seven county metropolitan area in 2004. The analysis assessed
remaining forest, grassland, and wetland areas. The scores were determined by examining
important ecological attributes of the natural areas, including size, shape, cover type diversity,
and adjacent land use. This analysis was included in the previous comprehensive plan and is
maintained here to inform and guide the city's land use, as protecting natural resources is one
of the city's four overarching goals for the future. These areas are shown in Figure II -G.
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Natural Resources
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former hamlet of Otisville remains as a public water access. The Big Lake School and
Goose Lake School sites also remain, harkening to Scandia's and the region's history.
DRAFT Scandia 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Prepared by: Bolton & Menk, Inc.
Natural Resources
Page 33