NATURAL RESOURCES
As snow melts and temperatures rise, Chanhassen's street sweeping crews head out each spring with an important mission: protecting our lakes and waterways. During the winter season, sand, salt, leaves and debris build up along streets. When spring rains arrive, that material can wash into storm drains, flow through the stormwater system and end up in nearby ponds, creeks and lakes. Street sweeping interrupts that journey by removing debris before it reaches the water, which is why crews begin early to collect winter materials before snowmelt and storms can carry them away. A typical mile of street contains a surprising mix of sand, salt, leaves, dirt, sediment and litter. Removing these materials helps reduce phosphorus and sediment that contribute to algae growth and water quality issues. Chanhassen uses both mechanical and vacuum sweepers on residential streets, main roads and cul-de-sacs throughout the season. Residents can help by keeping nearby storm drains clear of leaves and debris. STREET SWEEPERS Unsung Environmental Heroes
25+ INCHES IN DIAMETER
MUST BE HEALTHY
PROTECTING HERITAGE TREES
Trees are one of the defining features of Chanhassen They shade neighborhoods, support wildlife, improve air quality and help shape the natural beauty residents experience every day. To help ensure those benefits continue for generations, the City Council recently adopted a Heritage Tree Ordinance that encourages preservation and requires replacements when preservation is not possible. The ordinance builds on the city’s longstanding commitment to protecting natural resources while planning for growth. Healthy tree cover helps stabilize soil, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality and enhance overall quality of life. Preserving mature trees also helps maintain the natural character that makes Chanhassen such a desirable place to live. The ordinance defines “heritage trees” as healthy trees of certain species measuring at least 25 inches in diameter and updates “significant trees” by lowering the threshold from 12 inches to five inches so more trees are identified early in the development process. It also establishes a “critical root zone," which is the area that must remain undisturbed to protect tree health during construction. When heritage trees must be removed, replacement is required. Up to 25 percent of heritage tree removal is allowed during development. If removal exceeds that level, replacement trees must be planted at a one-to-one ratio based on the diameter removed. Preserved heritage trees can count toward replacement requirements, encouraging designs that keep large trees in place. The ordinance reflects a balanced approach, supporting thoughtful development while protecting one of the community’s most valuable natural assets for current and future residents.
All heroes have capes!
Large tank that holds all debris
Brooms used to gather debris
547,580 lbs of debris 441 miles swept in 2025 By the Numbers
Scan the QR code to watch a video about adopting a storm drain to become an "environmental hero" too!
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CITY OF CHANHASSEN | SUMMER 2026
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