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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01_2025 Lake Edina Score Your Shore Final Report2025 LAKE EDINA SCORE YOUR SHORE ASSESSMENT City of Edina Edge Aquatic Services, LLC Shoreline Importance The shoreline is where land and water meet, providing an especially rich life zone for birds, pollinators, fish, and other animals. The shoreline itself is part of a larger natural community and ecosystem. When living on a lake, how you manage your shoreline, directly impacts the water quality in that lake and the fisheries and wildlife found there. Healthy, more natural shorelines are vital to good water quality in a lake and provide many benefits to homeowners and the lake. 1. Native vegetation stabilizes shorelines and reduces erosion a. Native vegetation has deeper roots that help stabilize soils more than turf grass b. Protects against wind and wave action 2. The deep root system of native vegetation filters run off preventing nutrients and sediment from flowing into a lake 3. Trees and vegetation provide homeowners privacy 4. Natural shorelines discourage large flocks of geese gathering on lawns 5. Native shoreline vegetation provides habitat for pollinators and dragonflies a. Dragonflies are predators of mosquitoes helping with control When shorelines are turf grass all the way to the water’s edge, there are no deep roots to hold the soil in place. Thus, a lot of sediment washes into the lake - twelve times more than with a natural shoreline. Sediment contains a lot of phosphorus and phosphorus leads to an increase in algae growth. Score Your Shore Tool Score Your Shore is a tool developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) to assess shoreline health on developed parcels around Edina Lake. The assessment scores 3 shoreline zones: Upland Zone, Shoreline Zone, and Aquatic Zone (Figure 1). Figure 1. Three zones assessed in the Score Your Shore Assessment. Photo from the MNDNR. Each zone has its own scoring rubric. The upland zone is assessed on trees, shrubs, and natural ground cover with a maximum score of 65 points (Figure 2). The shoreline zone is assessed on trees & shrubs and natural ground cover with a maximum score of 35 (Figure 3) and dominate shoreline type was noted (natural, mowed, rip rap, etc.). The aquatic zone is assessed on emergent/floating leaf aquatic vegetation, submerged aquatic vegetation, overhanging vegetation, and downed woody habitat with a maximum score of 100 (Figure 4). The total maximum score a property can receive is 200. Impervious surfaces such as pathways, sheds, or patios, manicured lawns, removal of aquatic vegetation, etc. decrease overall score for each zone. Figure 2. Upland zone scoring rubric developed by the MNDNR. Figure 3. Shoreline zone scoring rubric developed by the MNDNR. Figure 4. Aquatic zone scoring rubric developed by the MNDNR. Results The Edina Lake Score Your Shore survey was completed on 7/10/2025. 44 parcels were evaluated using the rubric above. The results are divided into a series of tables and maps based on each zone surveyed. Terrestrial Zone Results The terrestrial zone consists of the upland and shoreline zones. Below are results for each zone. Upland Zone Results Natural upland areas provide many benefits for lake health. It reduces erosion by holding sediments, large root systems promote runoff infiltration and the uptake of nutrients and provides habitat for wildlife. The maximum score for the upland zone is 65. Table 1 shows the percentage of parcels in each grade for upland zone categories. Table 2 combines upland trees, shrubs, and ground cover scores into an upland zone total score and quantifies the proportion of properties with high quality habitat and those that need improvement. Figure 5 shows the upland tree grade for each Edina Lake parcel. Figure 6 shows the upland shrub grade for each parcel. Figure 7 shows the ground cover grade for each parcel. Figure 8 shows the total upland zone score, which is the combination of upland trees, shrubs, and ground cover scores. Table 1. Proportion of 44 Edina Lake parcels grades for upland zone categories. Grade % of Lot Trees Shrubs Ground Cover A 75-100 4.55% 4.55% 4.55% B 50-75 2.27% 0.00% 0.00% C 25-50 38.64% 2.27% 2.27% D 1-24 47.73% 45.45% 4.55% F 0 6.82% 47.73% 88.64% Table 2. Combines upland trees, shrubs, and ground cover scores into an upland zone total score. Total Upland Zone Rating Score Range % of Lots High 50-65 4.55% Moderate 35-50 0.00% Low 20-35 6.82% Very Low 0-20 88.64% Figure 5. 2025 Edina Lake upland zone trees scores. 4.55% of parcels scored an A, 2.27% scored a B, 38.64% scored a C, 47.73% scored a D, and 6.82 scored an F. Figure 6. 2025 Edina Lake Upland Zone shrubs scores. 4.55% of parcels scored an A, 0% scored a B, 2.27% scored a C, 45.45% scored a D, and 47.73% scored a F. Figure 7. 2025 Edina Lake upland zone ground cover scores. 4.55% of parcels scored an A, 0% scored a B, 2.27% scored a C, 4.55% scored a D, and 88.64% scored an F. Figure 8. 2025 upland zone total scores. Shoreline Zone Results Natural shorelines provide many benefits for lake health. It reduces erosion by holding sediments, large root systems promote runoff infiltration and the uptake of nutrients and provides habitat for wildlife. The maximum score for the shoreline zone is 35. Table 3 shows the percentage of parcels in each grade for shoreline zone categories. Table 4 combines shoreline trees, shrubs, and ground cover scores into a shoreline zone total score and quantifies the proportion of properties with high quality habitat and those that need improvement. Table 5 lists the different shoreline types found around Edina Lake and the percentage of parcels with that shoreline type. Figure 9 shows the shoreline tree and shrub grade for each Edina Lake parcel. Figure 10 shows the shoreline ground cover grade for each parcel. Figure 11 shows the total shoreline zone score, which is the combination of shoreline trees, shrubs, and ground cover scores. Figure 12 shows the dominant shoreline type for each parcel. Table 3. Proportion of 44 Edina Lake parcels grades for shoreline categories. Grade % of Lot Trees & Shrubs Ground Cover A 75-100 4.55% 11.36% B 50-75 15.91% 4.55% C 25-50 27.27% 20.45% D 1-24 47.73% 4.55% F 0 4.55% 59.09% Table 4. Combines shoreline trees, shrubs, and ground cover scores into a shoreline zone total score. Total Shoreline Zone Rating Score Range % of Lots High 30-35 4.55% Moderate 20-30 15.91% Low 10-20 38.64% Very Low 0-10 40.91% Table 5. List of the different shoreline types found around Edina Lake and the percentage of parcels with that shoreline type. Dominant Shoreline % of Parcels Mowed 50.00% Natural 38.64% Rip Rap 11.36% Figure 9. 2025 Edina Lake shoreline tree and shrub scores. 4.55% of parcels scored an A, 15.91% scored a B, 27.27% scored a C, 47.73% scored a D, and 4.55% scored an F. Figure 10. 2025 Edina Lake shoreline ground cover scores. 11.36% of parcels scored an A, 4.55% scored a B, 20.45% scored a C, 4.55% scored a D, and 59.09% scored an F. Figure 11. 2025 Edina Lake Shoreline zone total scores. Figure 12. Dominate shoreline type for Edina Lake parcels. Terrestrial Zone Total Results Table 6 combines upland and shoreline zone scores for a total terrestrial and quantifies the proportion of properties with high quality habitat and those that need improvement. Figure 13 shows the total terrestrial score for each Edina Lake parcel. Table 6. Combined upland and shoreline zone scores for a total terrestrial score and the percentage of parcels in each rating. Total Terrestrial Rating Score Range % of Lots High 85-100 4.55% Moderate 65-85 0.00% Low 25-65 43.18% Very Low 0-25 52.27% Figure 13. 2025 Edina Lake terrestrial zone total scores. Aquatic Zone Results The aquatic zone consists of emergent and floating aquatic vegetation, submerged aquatic vegetation, artificial openings in aquatic vegetation, overhanging terrestrial vegetation, and downed woody vegetation. Below are results for each zone. Emergent and Floating Aquatic Vegetation Results Emergent and floating aquatic vegetation is extremely important for shoreline health and provides many benefits. It reduces erosion by decreasing wave action, it absorbs nutrients from runoff, and it provides habitat for fish and wildlife. The maximum score for emergent and floating vegetation is 40. Table 7 shows the percentage of Edina Lake Parcel grades for emergent and floating aquatic vegetation. Figure 14 shows the emergent and floating aquatic vegetation scores for each Edina Lake parcel. Table 7. Proportion of 44 Edina Lake parcels grades for emergent and floating vegetation. Grade % of Shoreline Score % of Lots A 75-100 40 31.82% B 50-75 30 11.36% C 25-50 20 11.36% D 1-24 10 22.73% F 0 0 22.73% Figure 14. 2025 Edina Lake aquatic zone emergent and floating vegetation scores. 31.82% of parcels scored an A, 11.36% scored a B, 11.36% scored a C, 22.73% scored a D, and 22.73% scored an F. Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Results Submerged aquatic vegetation is extremely important for shoreline health and provides many benefits. It reduces erosion by decreasing wave action, it absorbs nutrients from runoff, and it provides habitat for fish and wildlife. The maximum score for aquatic vegetation is 35. Table 8 shows the percentage of Edina Lake Parcel scores for submerged aquatic vegetation. Figure 15 shows the submerged aquatic vegetation scores for each Edina Lake parcel. Table 8. Proportion of 44 Edina Lake parcels scores for submerged aquatic vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots Abundant 35 13.64% Sparse 15 86.36% Absent 0 0.00% Figure 15. 2025 Edina Lake Aquatic Zone submerged aquatic vegetation scores. 13.64% of parcels scored abundant and 86.36% of parcels scored sparse. Openings in Aquatic Vegetation Results Unnatural openings in aquatic vegetation are areas in submerged vegetation that have been removed by landowners. Openings can be used for watercraft navigation or a beach area. The maximum score is 5. Table 9 shows the percentage of Edina Lake Parcel scores for unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation stands. Figure 16 shows the openings in submerged aquatic vegetation scores for each Edina Lake parcel. Table 9. Proportion of 44 Edina Lake parcels scores for unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots No Opening 5 90.91% Opening Present 0 9.09% Figure 16. 2025 Edina Lake aquatic zone unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation. 90.91% of parcels exhibited no opening and 9.09% exhibited an unnatural opening. Overhanging Terrestrial Vegetation Results Overhanging terrestrial vegetation describes vegetation that hangs from the shoreline into the surface of the water. It provides habitat for fish, macroinvertebrates, and other wildlife. Maximum score is 10. Table 10 shows the percentage of Edina Lake Parcel scores for overhanging vegetation. Figure 17 shows overhanging vegetation scores for each Edina Lake parcel. Table 10. Proportion of 44 Edina Lake parcels scores for overhanging vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots Present 10 75.00% Absent 0 25.00% Figure 17. 2025 Edina Lake aquatic zone overhanging vegetation. 75% of parcels exhibited overhanging vegetation and 25% exhibited no overhanging vegetation. Downed Woody Vegetation Results Downed woody vegetation describes fallen trees and shrubs that residents have left in the water. Like overhanging vegetation downed woody vegetation provides habitat for fish, macroinvertebrates, and other wildlife. Maximum score is 10. Table 11 shows the percentage of Edina Lake Parcel scores for downed woody habitat. Figure 18 shows downed woody habitat scores for each Edina Lake parcel. Table 11. Proportion of 44 Edina Lake parcels scores for downed woody habitat. Rating Score % of Lots Present 10 38.64% Absent 0 61.36% Figure 18. 2025 Edina Lake Aquatic Zone downed woody vegetation. 38.64% of parcels exhibited downed woody vegetation and 61.36% exhibited no downed woody vegetation. Total Aquatic Zone Results Table 12 combines emergent and floating aquatic vegetation, submerged aquatic vegetation, artificial openings in aquatic vegetation, overhanging terrestrial vegetation, and downed woody vegetation and shows the proportion of properties with high quality habitat and those that need improvement. The maximum score is 100. Figure 19 shows the total aquatic zones score for each Edina Lake parcel. Table 12. Combined all aquatic zone scores for a total aquatic zone score and the percentage of parcels in each rating. Total Aquatic Zone Score Score Range % of Lots High 85-100 11.36% Moderate 65-85 27.27% Low 25-65 47.73% Very Low 0-25 13.64% Figure 19. 2025 Edina Lake Aquatic Zone total scores. Total Score The total score combines terrestrial and aquatic zone scores. The maximum score is 200. Table 13. Total scores and the percentage of parcels in each rating. Rating Score Range % of Lots High 170-200 2.27% Moderate 130-170 4.55% Low 50-130 70.45% Very Low 0-50 22.73% Figure 20. 2025 Edina Lake total scores. Appendix Table 14. Individual property scores labeled with parcel ID. PID Upland Trees Upland Shrubs Upland Ground Shoreline Trees & Shrubs Shoreline Ground Emergent and Floating Aquatic Vegetation Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Unnatural Openings Overhanging Terrestrial Vegetation Downed Woody Habitat Dominant Shoreline 3102824230056 13 0 0 5 15 20 35 5 10 10 Natural 3102824230057 9 5 0 5 0 30 15 0 0 0 Rip Rap 3102824230058 13 5 0 5 4 10 15 5 10 0 Mowed 3102824230059 13 0 0 5 7 40 35 5 10 0 Natural 3102824230060 9 0 0 10 0 40 35 0 10 0 Natural 3102824230061 13 0 0 10 7 40 35 5 10 0 Natural 3102824230062 13 0 0 10 7 40 35 5 10 0 Natural 3102824230063 9 5 0 5 7 40 35 5 10 0 Natural 3102824230064 13 5 0 5 0 0 15 0 0 0 Mowed 3102824230065 13 0 0 10 0 20 15 5 10 0 Mowed 3102824230066 13 5 0 5 0 10 15 0 10 0 Mowed 3102824230067 9 0 0 10 0 30 15 5 10 0 Mowed 3102824230068 9 5 10 15 4 30 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824230069 9 5 0 5 0 10 15 5 0 0 Rip Rap 3102824230070 9 0 0 0 0 10 15 5 0 0 Rip Rap 3102824310002 9 0 0 10 15 10 15 5 10 0 Natural 3102824310003 9 0 0 10 0 10 15 5 10 10 Mowed 3102824310004 9 0 0 5 0 20 15 5 10 10 Mowed 3102824310005 9 0 0 5 0 30 15 5 10 0 Mowed 3102824310006 9 0 0 5 0 0 15 5 0 0 Mowed 3102824310007 9 5 0 15 7 40 15 5 10 0 Mowed 3102824310008 9 0 0 5 0 10 15 5 0 0 Rip Rap 3102824310009 13 0 0 5 7 40 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824320004 13 5 0 10 7 40 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824320005 13 5 0 15 7 30 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824320006 18 10 5 10 15 40 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824320007 9 5 0 10 0 10 15 5 10 0 Mowed 3102824320008 9 5 0 5 0 10 15 5 0 0 Mowed 3102824320011 13 5 0 5 0 40 15 5 10 10 Mowed 3102824320012 13 0 0 15 0 0 15 5 10 10 Mowed 3102824320013 13 0 0 5 12 0 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824320014 13 5 0 10 12 10 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824320015 13 5 5 15 0 0 15 5 10 0 Rip Rap 3102824320016 9 5 0 0 0 0 15 5 0 0 Mowed 3102824320017 9 0 0 5 0 0 15 5 0 0 Mowed 3102824320019 13 5 0 10 0 40 15 5 10 0 Mowed 3102824320020 9 5 0 5 0 0 15 5 10 10 Mowed 3102824320021 9 0 0 15 7 40 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824320022 0 5 0 15 0 20 15 5 10 10 Mowed 3102824320023 0 0 0 5 0 0 15 5 0 0 Mowed 3102824320035 9 0 0 5 0 40 15 5 10 0 Mowed 3102824320036 0 5 0 5 0 0 15 5 0 0 Mowed 3102824320037 25 20 20 20 15 20 15 5 10 10 Natural 3102824320037 25 20 20 20 15 40 15 5 10 10 Natural Figure 21. Lake Edina parcels labeled with PIDs.