Sustainable Shoreview
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Introduction
University of Minnesota students recently collaborated with the City of Shoreview. The class, Problem Solving For Environmental Change, is designed for students to work with real world projects involing land use planning. The group's goal is to gather data relevant to the client's objectives, analyze the data and based on the data make recommendations.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategic Planning
Shoreview officials are interested in creating a more sustainable community by working toward energy efficiency goals in both their public and private sectors. With potential carbon and greenhouse gas emissions foot-printing and reporting looming in the future, the time is now for Shoreview to focus on taking strides to decrease their overall energy consumption. The focus of this project was identifying energy conservation and efficiency strategies for Shoreview by examining the energy use patterns of city streetlights, the Shoreview City Hall/ Community Center Complex and residents.
Shoreview is considering changing the streetlights in the city to more efficient LED fixtures. We conducted streetlight upgrade cost/benefit analysis by evaluating a number of scenarios based on energy cost savings, maintenance cost reductions, upgrade costs and carbon emission reductions. Interest in increasing the energy efficiency of the City Complex to serve as a model for residents and other communities prompted an analysis of the building's current energy use trends. We conducted an inventory of Shoreview City Complex energy use data from B3 data and graphically analyzed it to demonstrate consumption trends, costs and carbon outputestimates, as well as where improvement options exist. Lastly for residential energy efficiency, as determined by a household survey, Shoreview residents are committed to decreasing their energy consumption, but perceive costs and difficulty will be barriers to the completion of energy efficiency projects in their homes (Nelson et al.2008). Accordingly, the City needs an outreach program geared toward residential energy efficiency options and funding sources.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategic Planning Report→
Sustainable Shoreview Wetlands: Fostering Community Involvement through Education and Communication
This report serves as a resource for the community of Shoreview as they considerenvironmental education and communication options to promote healthy wetlands andwaterbodies as well as support sustainable livelihoods based on strong residentsupport for learning and involvement in the care of these ecosystems. We trust thatthe goal to enhance and protect wetlands, agreed upon by the Shoreview City Counciland staff, can be supported by following the recommendations discussed in this report.
What's Living in Our Wetlands →
Wetland and Storm Pond Management
In 2009, the City of Shoreview developed a series of goals to achieve sustainability for the health and well being of the community. Some of these goals were to live a healthy lifestyle, promote a "green" philosophy as well as preserve and protect the natural environment. To attain these goals, the City partnered with students from the course Problem Solving for Environmental Change (ESPM 4041) at the University of Minnesotato develop recommendations for specific topics: alternative energy, wetland education,wetland policy, landscape policy, sustainable parks, and urban vegetation and canopy assessment.
This project was designed to support sustainable behavior and policy changes that will establish Shoreview as a model for other communities. This specific report (3/8) focuses on wetland policy and management, to improve the health and function of Shoreview's aquatic systems.
Wetland and Storm Pond Management: Alternatives for a Sustainable Shoreview →
Wetlands and Storm Pond PowerPoint →
Landscape Level Environmental Planning
This report serves as a resource for partnership and collaboration among the City ofShoreview, surrounding municipalities, Ramsey County, the Rice Creek Watershed District and Grass Lake Watershed Management Organization. These 13 entities share core values founded on natural resource integrity and health; however, there are different approaches to applying these common values across the landscape. Encouraging collaboration on natural resource issues beyond political boundaries is a first step in planning across landscapes.
This report illustrates a large overlap among the municipalities as described in their respective comprehensive plans. Shoreview has the most commonalities in their comprehensive plan natural resource goals with Lino Lakes and Roseville and the least commonalities with North Oaks and Circle Pines. In addition, this report highlights the existing relationships surrounding natural resources among the municipalities, as well as with the county and watershed organizations. These existing relationships are often initiated by shared personnel, a shared natural resource or ecosystem, such Lake Owasso or urban forests, shared equipment such as sewer and water systems, and finally, shared community events. Additionally, this report illustrates ordinances related to natural resource issues vary significantly among cities. Overall there is a strong interest among cities in collaboration regarding tree disease, invasive species and deer management. Ramsey County also has an interest in assisting and participating in these efforts.
Landscape Level Planning and Policy for Wetlands and Forests Report →
Landscape Level Policy and Planning PowerPoint →
Landscape Level Planning and Policy for Wetlands and Forests Brochure →
Sustainable Parks for an Active Shoreivew
Unobtrusive user observations and user surveys were conducted to obtain more information about how the parks in Shoreview are being used. Secondary data research was used to aid in the decision making process. Information from visitor surveys was used to formulate recommendations that were then passed on to city officials. Surveys showed that the most popular recreational activity was walking/dogwalking. Overall, all the parks are used and users are pleased with the opportunities available. Users feel the parks are not overly crowded. A large number of users come from surrounding communities. The 55+ survey showed that the majority of that age group does not use the park system in Shoreview. Due to the popularity of walking within the park system, more loop trails need to be added to accommodate the users. There is a need for increased signage along roads prior to the location of the parks,due to the large number of individuals visiting from surrounding cities. More off-leash dog areas are desired by users, the Vadnais Snail-Lake Regional Park is a potential area for this type of recreation. It would be beneficial to do more in depth user surveys to gain better insight into visitor use trends within the city of Shoreview.
Sustainable Parks for Active Shoreview Report →
Sustainable Parks for Active Shoreview PowerPoint→
Sustainable Parks for Active Shoreview Brochure →
Sustaining Infrastructure
The purpose of this study was to indentify recommendations that would improve the ecological and economic sustainability of Shoreview parks, and that would insure that future generations will be able to enjoy the parks in the way they are today. To meet these ends, management strategies that balance the needs of nature and the needs of park users were identified and elaborated on. Inventories were conducted to determine the current state of Shoreview parks. Vegetation health and diversity, infrastructural quality, and current maintenance protocols were the primary foci of the inventories.
Based upon an assessment of the resource and related research, recommendations were developed for green (vegetation) and gray (infrastructure) management that reduce the negative externalities caused by park use and park maintenance, while sustaining the aesthetic quality and usability of the park.
Sustaining Infrasture and Natural Areas in Shoreview Parks Report →
Sustaining Infrasture and Natural Areas in Shoreview Parks PowerPoint →
Sustaining Infrasture and Natural Areas in Shoreview Parks Brochure →
Urban Forest Assessment
This report includes an inventory of Shoreview's urban forest, which was conducted and analyzed to make recommendations for a more sustainable forest within the City. Tree inventories provide an integral tool in assessing the viability and vulnerability of the urban forest system and are a required component of a management plan, especially as related to disease and pests such as Emerald Ash Borer, Dutch Elm Disease, or Oak Wilt. Shoreview is a second-ring suburb community in Minnesota that has abundant tree cover.
Urban Forest Assessment Report→
Urban Forest Assessment PowerPoint→
Urban Forest Assessment Brochure→
Urban Canopy
The City of Shoreview is interested in better serving its residents by becoming a more sustainable community. One way it can do this is by assessing its urban tree canopy, an aspect of Shoreview which has many environmental applications. Canopy cover provides many benefits such as a moderated urban heat island effects, improved air and water quality and vital habitat for wildlife.
Contact Information
For more information contact the Planning Department at 651.490.4681 or e-mail planning@shoreviewmn.gov.