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a natural or landscaped corridor between major parks and activity centers, and to provide scenic <br /> views of the city and its natural environment." <br /> Criteria to establish which right of ways would be considered linear parks would be established. <br /> As the definition suggests, these routes will connect major regional parks; activity centers such <br /> as schools, and the Everett Mall. These corridors would allow for integration between park <br /> standards, street tree plantings, and the urban forestry program. Cooperation between city <br /> agencies would be required, as public right of ways fall under the jurisdiction of the Public <br /> Works Department, and Utilities. In addition to adding valuable amenities to the park system, <br /> such corridors would increase the overall acreage and visibility of parks. <br /> Stewardship <br /> The supply of easily developable land is being diminished as commercial and residential areas <br /> expand. Changes to the zoning code mandated by the statewide Growth Management Act will <br /> encourage the placement of many environmentally sensitive areas into public ownership. The <br /> City of Everett will become increasingly responsible for the management of sensitive areas <br /> acquired for recreation and preservation. The role of the City will place more emphasis on <br /> stewardship, to balance the needs of people with the needs of the ecosystem as a whole. A <br /> comprehensive, non-motorized trail system offers many opportunities for the City to demonstrate <br /> how stewardship can offer a balance for those needs. <br /> 1. Neighborhood and regional trails can help to create a pedestrian friendly city by <br /> reducing the number of short automobile trips, and the need for automobiles in general. They <br /> also provide an alternative to automobile commuting.. <br /> 2. Providing trails through a variety of environments can increase awareness of our <br /> valued amenities (clean air, water, etc.)through exposure and interpretation. <br /> 3. Trail corridors act as linear parks, open space, and greenbelts which preserve scenic <br /> views and protect natural areas and wildlife habitat. <br /> 4. People desire access to areas of natural beauty and, in doing so, create unofficial trails. <br /> Careful planning of a trail system can control circulation, thus reducing overall impacts. <br /> Monitoring of such trails can also alert trail managers to overuse and vandalism, prompting a <br /> quicker response. <br /> W:\PLANNING\TRAILS\COMP96.DOC 29 <br />