City of Minnetonka: Evaluating the Impact of Natural Resources Ordinances

Abstract

This report serves as a summary of an evaluation of resident perceptions on the City of Minnetonka’s natural resources ordinances. This report includes results of an online survey sent out to residents asking questions directed at gaining a better understanding of residence experiences on local regulation. Specifically, it focused on understanding perceptions before and after recent housing developments that needed to adhere to City of Minnetonka’s tree and wetland ordinances. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of perceptions, residents were asked questions about benefits and challenges faced with preserving trees and replanting trees on their property, as well as installing a wetland buffer or enrolling property into the city’s wetland conservation easement program. To enhance the meaning of resident responses, additional findings on evaluation ecosystem services were analyzed to give guidance on future communication with residents regarding the benefits of the city’s natural resources and ecosystem services.