Environment
Tree Preservation
It is the policy of the City of Shorewood to recognize and preserve existing natural resources of the community. In its effort to maintain the wooded character of the area, the City finds that trees provide numerous benefits including, but not limited to: stabilization of the soil by the prevention of erosion and sedimentation, reduction of storm water runoff, improvement of air quality, reduction of noise pollution, control of urban heat island effect, protection and increase of property values, protection of privacy, energy conservation through natural insulation, providing habitat for birds and other wildlife and conservation and enhancement of the city’s physical and aesthetic environment.
Shorewood established a Tree Preservation Policy that applies to all new construction within the City. The purpose of this policy is to preserve and protect significant trees or stands of trees whose loss due to land disturbances associated with the process of development or construction would adversely affect the character of our community.
Conservation Area
The Land Conservation Environmental Committee (LCEC) completed a study and plan for the conservation of open space within the City of Shorewood. This plan is available for review upon request at City Hall.
Gideon Glen
Gideon Glen, a 5.8-acre parcel with an old-growth remnant of the Big Woods on its west side, was purchased by the City in 2000 with the financial assistance of the MCWD. Planning to provide a demonstration of systems to improve the quality of surface waters and preserve the old-growth forest was coordinated by the MCWD. With the new CR 19 intersection project, a grit chamber was installed to capture debris and large particles prior to the stormwater pond and wetland areas, that ultimately flow to Lake Minnetonka.
The Gideon Glen project is meant to be educational. Observation areas and informational kiosks to be installed in summer 2007 will complete the scientific experience. The view west to the woods is intended not to be accessible to insure the preservation of these sensitive areas. However, the wetland restoration will give residents a sense of what the Lake Minnetonka area was like in pre-settlement times, once vegetation has had an opportunity to mature.
The wetland project came together financially with funds by the City (through a $75,000 grant from the Metropolitan Council), the MCWD, and Hennepin County (through the CR 19 project.)
Water Quality Report
2008 Drinking Water Report - The City of Shorewood is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2007. The purpose of this report is to advance consumers' understanding of drinking water and heighten awareness of the need to protect precious water resources.
If you have any further questions on the municipal water system contact the Public Works Department at 952.960.7900.
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP)
Residents of Shorewood can participate in the storm water pollution prevention management process designed to maintain or improve the quality of our natural resources