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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01_2025 Nancy Score Your Shore Final Report2025 LAKE NANCY 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 Lake Nancy. 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 Lake Nancy Score Your Shore survey was completed on 7/13/2025. 21 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 Lake Nancy 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 21 Lake Nancy parcels grades for upland zone categories. Grade % of Lot Trees Shrubs Ground Cover A 75-100 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% B 50-75 9.52% 4.76% 4.76% C 25-50 4.76% 23.81% 0.00% D 1-24 85.71% 38.10% 19.05% F 0 0.00% 33.33% 76.19% 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 0.00% Moderate 35-50 4.76% Low 20-35 19.05% Very Low 0-20 76.19% Figure 5. 2025 Lake Nancy upland zone trees scores. 0% of parcels scored an A, 9.52% scored a B, 4.76% scored a C, 85.71% scored a D, and 0 scored an F. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. Figure 6. 2025 Lake Nancy upland zone shrubs scores. 0% of parcels scored an A, 4.76% scored a B, 23.81% scored a C, 38.1% scored a D, and 33.33% scored a F. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. Figure 7. 2025 Lake Nancy upland zone ground cover scores. 0% of parcels scored an A, 4.76% scored a B, 0% scored a C, 19.05% scored a D, and 76.19% scored a F. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. Figure 8. 2025 upland zone total scores. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 Lake Nancy and the percentage of parcels with that shoreline type. Figure 9 shows the shoreline tree and shrub grade for each Lake Nancy 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 21 Lake Nancy parcels grades for shoreline categories. Grade % of Lot Trees & Shrubs Ground Cover A 75-100 13.51% 32.43% B 50-75 24.32% 24.32% C 25-50 10.81% 8.11% D 1-24 32.43% 16.22% F 0 18.92% 18.92% 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 19.05% Moderate 20-30 19.05% Low 10-20 28.57% Very Low 0-10 33.33% Table 5. Lists the different shoreline types found around Lake Nancy and the percentage of parcels with that shoreline type. Dominant Shoreline % of Parcels Mowed 33.33% Natural 33.33% Rip Rap 19.05% Wall 14.29% Figure 9. 2025 Lake Nancy shoreline tree and shrub scores. 14.29% of parcels scored an A, 14.29% scored a B, 9.52% scored a C, 47.62% scored a D, and 14.29% scored an F. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. Figure 10. 2025 Lake Nancy shoreline ground cover scores. 28.57% of parcels scored an A, 9.52% scored a B, 33.33% scored a C, 9.52% scored a D, and 19.05% scored a F. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. Figure 11. 2025 Lake Nancy shoreline zone total scores. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. Figure 12. Dominate shoreline type for Lake Nancy parcels. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 Lake Nancy 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 0.00% Moderate 65-85 4.76% Low 25-65 57.14% Very Low 0-25 38.10% Figure 13. 2025 Lake Nancy terrestrial zone total scores. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 Lake Nancy Parcel grades for emergent and floating aquatic vegetation. Figure 14 shows the emergent and floating aquatic vegetation scores for each Lake Nancy parcel. Table 7. Proportion of 21 Lake Nancy parcels grades for emergent and floating vegetation. Grade % of Shoreline Score % of Lots A 75-100 40 0.00% B 50-75 30 0.00% C 25-50 20 9.52% D 1-24 10 28.57% F 0 0 61.90% Figure 14. 2025 Lake Nancy aquatic zone emergent and floating vegetation scores. 0% of parcels scored an A, 0% scored a B, 9.52% scored a C, 28.57% scored a D, and 61.90% scored a F. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 Lake Nancy Parcel scores for submerged aquatic vegetation. Figure 15 shows the submerged aquatic vegetation scores for each Lake Nancy parcel. Table 8. Proportion of 21 Lake Nancy parcels scores for submerged aquatic vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots Abundant 35 0.00% Sparse 15 0.00% Absent 0 100.00% Figure 15. 2025 Lake Nancy aquatic zone submerged aquatic vegetation scores. 0% of parcels scored abundant, 0% scored sparse, and 100% scored absent. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 Lake Nancy Parcel scores for unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation stands. Figure 16 shows the openings in submerged aquatic vegetation scores for each Lake Nancy parcel. Aquatic vegetation was absent from all parcel’s aquatic zones due to poor water quality and not due to removal from property owners. Since it was absent due to water quality, each parcel received full points for the unnatural opening category. Table 9. Proportion of 21 Lake Nancy parcels scores for unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots No Opening 5 100.00% Opening Present 0 0.00% Figure 16. 2025 Lake Nancy aquatic zone unnatural openings in submerged aquatic vegetation. 100% of parcels exhibited no opening and 0% exhibited an unnatural opening. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 Lake Nancy Parcel scores for overhanging vegetation. Figure 17 shows overhanging vegetation scores for each Lake Nancy parcel. Table 10. Proportion of 21 Lake Nancy parcels scores for overhanging vegetation. Rating Score % of Lots Present 10 85.71% Absent 0 14.29% Figure 17. 2025 Lake Nancy aquatic zone overhanging vegetation. 85.71% of parcels exhibited overhanging vegetation and 14.29% exhibited no overhanging vegetation. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 Lake Nancy Parcel scores for downed woody habitat. Figure 18 shows downed woody habitat scores for each Lake Nancy parcel. Table 11. Proportion of 21 Lake Nancy parcels scores for downed woody habitat. Rating Score % of Lots Present 10 47.62% Absent 0 52.38% Figure 18. 2025 Lake Nancy aquatic zone downed woody vegetation. 47.62% of parcels exhibited downed woody vegetation and 52.38% exhibited no downed woody vegetation. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 Lake Nancy 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 0.00% Low 25-65 61.90% Very Low 0-25 38.10% Figure 19. 2025 Lake Nancy aquatic zone total scores. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 0.00% Moderate 130-170 0.00% Low 50-130 52.38% Very Low 0-50 47.62% Figure 20. 2025 Lake Nancy total scores. With its proximity to Otto Pond, Lake Nancy and Otto Pond will be shown on the same map. 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 3002824210001 18 15 15 20 15 0 0 5 10 10 Natural 3002824210010 18 10 0 20 15 10 0 5 10 10 Natural 3002824210015 9 10 5 5 0 0 0 5 10 0 Rip Rap 3002824210016 9 0 0 10 15 20 0 5 10 10 Natural 3002824210017 9 10 5 5 15 20 0 5 10 10 Natural 3002824210018 9 5 0 5 4 0 0 5 10 0 Rip Rap 3002824210019 9 5 0 0 0 10 0 5 0 0 Wall 3002824210020 9 5 0 0 12 0 0 5 10 0 Wall 3002824210022 9 0 0 5 0 0 0 5 0 0 Mowed 3002824210023 9 10 0 10 7 0 0 5 10 0 Mowed 3002824210027 9 0 0 5 7 0 0 5 10 10 Rip Rap 3002824210028 9 0 0 5 0 0 0 5 0 0 Wall 3002824210030 9 0 0 15 12 0 0 5 10 10 Rip Rap 3002824210031 9 5 5 5 7 10 0 5 10 0 Mowed 3002824210065 9 0 0 5 7 10 0 5 10 0 Mowed 3002824210066 13 10 0 20 15 0 0 5 10 10 Natural 3002824210067 9 5 5 5 7 0 0 5 10 0 Mowed 3002824210068 9 5 0 0 7 10 0 5 10 0 Mowed 3002824210069 9 5 0 5 4 10 0 5 10 10 Mowed 3002824210105 9 5 0 15 15 0 0 5 10 10 Natural 3002824210106 9 0 0 15 7 0 0 5 10 10 Natural Figure 21. Lake Nancy and Otto Pond with parcel PIDs.