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ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS LAND USE POLICIES <br /> EVERETT GENERAL PLAN <br /> SECTION I. General Discussion. Introduction. Everett benefits from <br /> a diverse and attractive natural environment. Many components of <br /> Everett's natural environment are delicate resources which are <br /> sensitive to the impacts of urban development, or which pose hazards <br /> to the community if developed. These resources are termed <br /> "environmentally sensitive areas" , and are comprised of aquatic <br /> features, geologic landforms, plant and animal life. Everett's <br /> water resources include Port Gardner Bay, the Snohomish River, two <br /> fresh water lakes, groundwater, and numerous streams and wetlands. <br /> Ravines, bluffs, hillsides, and steeply sloping areas are landforms <br /> that provide topographic variety and create some spectacular views, <br /> which add to the natural amenity of the community. The natural <br /> vegetation which is found in the these areas also provides wildlife <br /> habitat, contributes to slope and soil stability, and filters <br /> pollutants from storm water runoff. While historic development <br /> practices in Everett have converted much of the natural environment <br /> to urban use, there are still many environmentally sensitive areas <br /> which have been only slightly or moderately disturbed. <br /> Everett, being one of the major urban centers of the Puget Sound <br /> metropolis, can expect to experience continued population growth and <br /> urbanization. This growth will place greater pressures on its <br /> environmentally sensitive areas. Development in areas which are <br /> hazardous to life and property, such as floodplains and landslide <br /> hazard areas can also create liability upon the taxpayers, public <br /> services and financial resources of the City. Development patterns <br /> that avoid environmentally sensitive areas prevent degradation, may <br /> enhance natural systems, protect water quality and wildlife habitat, <br /> and contribute to community aesthetics. <br /> The environmentally sensitive areas of the Everett community which <br /> this policy document directly addresses can be generally categorized <br /> into two basic elements - earth resources and water resources. Each <br /> of these elements is closely related to the other. Environmentally <br /> sensitive areas are sensitive because of characteristics associated <br /> with one or both of these elements. For example, vegetation of a <br /> particular type exists because of the topography, mineral and water <br /> resources present in that location. Wildlife habitat areas in <br /> Everett exist because of the vegetative, topographic and <br /> hydrological characteristics present. Hydrological patterns are <br /> influenced by the geological formations present on and below the <br /> land surface. Therefore, this policy section is divided into these <br /> two basic categories, with related sub-elements of the environment, <br /> such as vegetation and wildlife habitat, addressed in each category. <br /> This document addresses only Everett's environmentally sensitive <br /> areas. It does not discuss other environmental issues. <br /> A. GOAL: <br /> To protect, sustain and improve Everett's environmentally sensitive <br /> areas for the present and future generations. <br /> I <br />