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Environmental Impact Statement - radioactive monticello

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Table 2-10. Land Use in Sherburne County, 1991<br />

Description of Site and Environment<br />

Land Use Acres Percent of<br />

Total<br />

Residential 14440 5<br />

Commercial/industrial 1240 0.5<br />

Incorporated areas 39990 13.5<br />

Agriculture 73700 26<br />

Open lands designated for environmental 34100 12<br />

protection and not available for<br />

development<br />

Open lands available for development 122530 43<br />

Total 286000 100<br />

Source: Sherburne County 1992<br />

Thirteen of the sixteen cities in Wright County have developed comprehensive land use plans<br />

and guide growth and development in their communities through zoning subdividison<br />

ordinances. The three cities that do not have active planning programs are the smallest in the<br />

county (MDEED 2005a). Residential growth has been strongest in the northeastern cities, and<br />

-the. United States Census Bureau (USCB) estimates show that Wright County was the 60th<br />

fastest growing county in the nation for the period of 2000 to 2003 (USCB 2004). Agriculture is<br />

*the predominant land use in the county, accounting for 52 percent of total acreage (Wright<br />

County 1988).<br />

Wetlands are an important natural resource in Wright County and development of associated<br />

flood prone areas is restricted. Preservation of farmland is a.major concern and goal of<br />

planning efforts, as Wright County contains approximately 337,240 ac of farmland that the<br />

State of Minnesota classifies as either prime or of statewide importance, based on soil quality,<br />

growing season, and moisture supply characteristics (Wright County 1988).<br />

Sherburne County encompasses less land area than Wright County. Four of the six cities in<br />

Sherburne County have developed comprehensive land use plans. The two that do not have<br />

active planning programs are the smallest in the county (MDEED 2005b). Residential growth<br />

has been the strongest in the southeastern cities and eastern townships, and the USCB<br />

estimates show that Sherburne County is the 30th fastest growing county in the nation for the<br />

period of 2000 to 2003 (USCB 2004). Open land is the county's largest land use category,<br />

accounting for 43 percent of the county's total land area (Sherburne County 1992).<br />

Wetlands are also an important natural resource in Sherburne County, and development is<br />

restricted by county, State and Federal regulations. Only a small percentage of Sherburne<br />

County is characterized by the State as prime farmlands or of statewide importance; however,<br />

August 2006 2-35 NUREG-1437, Supplement 26 1

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