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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS <br /> 2.2 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES <br /> THE ENVIRONMENTAL FRAMEWORK <br /> The environment is an integral component of the planning process, providing both the physical <br /> and cultural. context within which land use activities occur. The basic environmental goal <br /> incorporated into the Land Use Element is the minimization or elimination of the negative impacts <br /> on a particular natural or cultural system caused by development activities. Because <br /> environmental systems are interrelated, ignoring potential impacts will inevitably lead to negative <br /> consequences. Such consequences do not stop at property lines, but affect the general public. <br /> Thus, the protection and appropriate use of the environment is both- a private and a public <br /> responsibility. <br /> The primary elements of the environment incorporated into the formulation of the Land Use <br /> Element include: <br /> WATER RESOURCES <br /> watersheds <br /> geology and ground water yields <br /> floodplains <br /> wetlands <br /> LAND RESOURCES <br /> prime agricultural soils <br /> steep slopes <br /> soil conditions <br /> PLANT AND ANIMAL RESOURCES <br /> vegetation <br /> natural areas and wildlife habitats <br /> wildlife corridors <br /> CULTURAL AND SCENIC RESOURCES <br /> historic sites <br /> archaeological sites <br /> recreation sites <br /> scenic roads <br /> These elements, both individually and in combination, pose constraints and opportunities for the <br /> development of land. Such constraints do not necessarily prohibit development. Rather, they may <br /> offer new opportunities which influence the form, design or pattern of proposed development, and <br /> along with other locational criteria, to suggest where and what type of development is most <br /> appropriate for Orange County. <br />