Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan

WATER RESOURCES The Minnesota River is the most significant and recognizable water resource in Shakopee. However, there other important lakes, streams, and wetlands that are important to the community and overlap with parks and trails land. From a recreational perspective swimming, fishing, boating, and observation are the most popular activities. Shakopee’s Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan cites the following six goals: 1. Limit public capital expenditures that are necessary to control excessive volumes and rates of runoff. 5. Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational facilities 6. Secure the other benefits associated with the proper management of surface water The City of Shakopee has adopted the following water resource classifications for water quality that impact recreation in the City: » » Eagle Creek is designated as a Level 1 water body with the goal to preserve existing human use of the water body such as fishing or swimming. » » Deans Lake is designated as a Level II water body with the goal to preserve the existing human use such as fishing » » Minnesota River is designated as a Level II/ III water body with the goal to achieve a 40% reduction in non-source pollution. While access to the Minnesota River is one of the most desired aspects by residents, the river is one of the least healthy water bodies in the city. The city should do its part in protecting and improving water quality, recognizing that cleaning the Minnesota 2. Improve water quality 3. Prevent flooding and erosion from surface flows 4. Promote ground water recharge

River will require a systemic approach between numerous parties and landholders in the contributing watershed. The Minnesota River is currently listed as an impaired water body because it fails to meet state water quality standards. » » Blue Lake is a Level IV open water wetland that is suitable for aesthetic viewing activities, observing wildlife, and other appropriate public uses. » » Fisher Lake is also a Level IV open water wetland. » » O’Dowd Lake is a Level III lake and is not meeting one or more water quality standards to support aquatic life necessary for fishing. Aquatic recreation has not been assessed at the writing of this report. Quarry Lake is another water body that has not been analyzed for water quality standards related to fishing or aquatic recreation at this time. It is anticipated that Quarry Lake may be above standards due to internal groundwater contributions, however, water quality should be monitored into the future with the expected increase in recreational usage. The city is participating in the development of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies for Deans lake, O’Dowd Lake, the Minnesota River, and Pike Lake which the City drains to continue monitoring water bodies. New Development and redevelopment policies for stormwater pollution prevention prioritizes NURP ponds to treat impervious. Parks and Recreation should evaluate park land dedication to ensure that these lands are not overly restricted by or are taken up with a majority of NURP ponding and other best management practices for stormwater.

system vision

134 SHAKOPEE PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | SYSTEM VISION