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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01_2025 Melody Score Your Shore Final Report2025 MELODY LAKE 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 Melody 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 Melody Lake Score Your Shore survey was completed on 7/13/2025. 32 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 Melody 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 32 Melody Lake parcels grades for upland zone categories. Grade % of Lot Trees Shrubs Ground Cover A 75-100 39.29% 42.86% 64.29% B 50-75 21.43% 10.71% 7.14% C 25-50 17.86% 14.29% 3.57% D 1-24 10.71% 17.86% 3.57% F 0 10.71% 14.29% 21.43% 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 46.43% Moderate 35-50 21.43% Low 20-35 10.71% Very Low 0-20 21.43% Figure 5. 2025 Melody Lake upland zone trees scores. 39.29% of parcels scored an A, 21.43% scored a B, 17.86% scored a C, 10.71% scored a D, and 10.71% scored an F. Figure 6. 2025 Melody Lake Upland Zone Shrubs Scores. 42.86% of parcels scored an A, 10.71% scored a B, 14.29% scored a C, 17.86% scored a D, and 14.29% scored a F. Figure 7. 2025 Melody Lake upland zone ground cover scores. 64.29% of parcels scored an A, 7.14% scored a B, 3.57% scored a C, 3.57% scored a D, and 21.43% 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 Melody Lake and the percentage of parcels with that shoreline type. Figure 9 shows the shoreline tree and shrub grade for each Melody 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 32 Melody Lake parcels grades for shoreline categories. Grade % of Lot Trees & Shrubs Ground Cover A 75-100 42.86% 64.29% B 50-75 7.14% 7.14% C 25-50 25.00% 14.29% D 1-24 21.43% 7.14% F 0 3.57% 7.14% 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 46.43% Moderate 20-30 21.43% Low 10-20 21.43% Very Low 0-10 10.71% Table 5. List of the different shoreline types found around Melody Lake and the percentage of parcels with that shoreline type. Dominant Shoreline % of Parcels Mowed 17.24% Natural 79.31% Wall 3.45% Figure 9. 2025 Melody Lake shoreline tree and shrub scores. 42.86% of parcels scored an A, 7.14% scored a B, 25.00% scored a C, 21.43% scored a D, and 3.57% scored an F. Figure 10. 2025 Melody Lake shoreline ground cover scores. 64.29% of parcels scored an A, 7.14% scored a B, 14.29% scored a C, 7.14% scored a D, and 7.14% scored an F. Figure 11. 2025 Melody Lake Shoreline zone total scores. Figure 12. Dominate shoreline type for Melody 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 Melody 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 39.29% Moderate 65-85 21.43% Low 25-65 28.57% Very Low 0-25 10.71% Figure 13. 2025 Melody 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 Melody Lake Parcel grades for emergent and floating aquatic vegetation. Figure 14 shows the emergent and floating aquatic vegetation scores for each Melody Lake parcel. Table 7. Proportion of 32 Melody Lake parcels grades for emergent and floating vegetation. Grade % of Shoreline Score % of Lots A 75-100 40 46.43% B 50-75 30 21.43% C 25-50 20 14.29% D 1-24 10 14.29% F 0 0 3.57% Figure 14. 2025 Melody Lake aquatic zone emergent and floating vegetation scores. 46.43% of parcels scored an A, 21.43% scored a B, 14.29% scored a C, 14.29% scored a D, and 3.57% 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 Melody Lake Parcel scores for submerged aquatic vegetation. Figure 15 shows the submerged aquatic vegetation scores for each Melody Lake parcel. Table 8. Proportion of 32 Melody Lake parcels scores for submerged aquatic vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots Abundant 35 0.00% Sparse 15 14.29% Absent 0 85.71% Figure 15. 2025 Melody Lake Aquatic Zone submerged aquatic vegetation scores. 0% of parcels scored abundant, 14.29% of parcels scored sparse, and 85.71% of parcels did not have submerged aquatic vegetation. 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 Melody Lake Parcel scores for unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation stands. Figure 16 shows the openings in submerged aquatic vegetation scores for each Melody Lake parcel. Table 9. Proportion of 32 Melody Lake parcels scores for unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots No Opening 5 96.43% Opening Present 0 3.57% Figure 16. 2025 Melody Lake aquatic zone unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation. 96.43% of parcels exhibited no opening and 3.57% exhibited an unnatural opening. The unnatural opening was observed in the floating vegetation, for the parcel that scored a 0. 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 Melody Lake Parcel scores for overhanging vegetation. Figure 17 shows overhanging vegetation scores for each Melody Lake parcel. Table 10. Proportion of 32 Melody Lake parcels scores for overhanging vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots Present 10 100.00% Absent 0 0.00% Figure 17. 2025 Melody Lake aquatic zone overhanging vegetation. 100% of parcels exhibited overhanging vegetation and 0% 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 Melody Lake Parcel scores for downed woody habitat. Figure 18 shows downed woody habitat scores for each Melody Lake parcel. Table 11. Proportion of 32 Melody Lake parcels scores for downed woody habitat. Rating Score % of Lots Present 10 71.43% Absent 0 28.57% Figure 18. 2025 Melody Lake Aquatic Zone downed woody vegetation. 71.43% of parcels exhibited downed woody vegetation and 28.57% 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 Melody 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 0.00% Moderate 65-85 28.57% Low 25-65 71.43% Very Low 0-25 0.00% Figure 19. 2025 Melody 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 3.57% Moderate 130-170 50.00% Low 50-130 46.43% Very Low 0-50 0.00% Figure 20. 2025 Melody 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 3311721240001 25 20 20 20 15 30 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721240005 13 15 15 15 12 30 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721240006 13 5 0 5 7 40 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721240007 25 20 20 20 15 10 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721240011 13 5 5 10 7 20 0 5 10 0 Natural 3311721240012 0 0 0 5 4 40 0 5 10 0 Mowed 3311721240019 13 5 15 10 15 0 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721240023 25 20 20 15 15 40 0 5 10 0 Natural 3311721240024 18 20 20 10 15 40 0 5 10 0 Natural 3311721240025 9 5 0 5 0 30 0 0 10 0 Mowed 3311721240026 9 5 0 5 7 40 15 5 10 10 Natural 3311721240027 13 15 10 20 15 40 15 5 10 10 Natural 3311721240044 18 10 20 20 15 40 0 5 10 0 Natural 3311721240053 18 15 20 10 0 40 0 5 10 10 Wall 3311721240070 9 0 0 10 12 20 0 5 10 10 Mowed 3311721240077 0 0 20 0 15 40 0 5 10 0 Natural 3311721240078 0 0 0 5 7 40 0 5 10 0 Mowed 3311721240079 18 10 20 20 15 40 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721310059 25 20 20 10 15 10 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721310061 25 20 20 20 15 30 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721310062 18 10 20 5 4 10 0 5 10 10 Mowed 3311721310063 25 20 20 20 15 20 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721310064 25 20 20 20 15 10 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721310065 25 20 20 20 15 20 15 5 10 10 Natural 3311721310066 25 20 20 20 15 30 15 5 10 10 Natural 3311721310067 25 20 20 20 15 30 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721310089 25 20 20 10 15 40 0 5 10 10 Natural 3311721240077 18 10 20 20 15 40 0 5 10 10 Natural City Lot 25 20 20 20 15 40 0 5 10 10 Natural Figure 21. Melody Lake parcels labeled with PIDs.