Lake Aesthetic and User Recreation Index
for Powderhorn Lake
This 12-acre lake is in one of the largest parks in the Minneapolis system. The park is host to many events including the Powderhorn Arts Festival.
Powderhorn has few aquatic plants due most likely to the poor water clarity. It has a good rating in aesthetics. There is no swimming beach so no public health rating is provided.
The Lake Aesthetic and User Recreation Index (LAURI) was developed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to give the public information about the recreational suitability of Minneapolis lakes In 2009 the LAURI was changed to give a more accurate, and science based indicator for the public.
The revised LAURI has five indices:
The LAURI was developed to provide recreational users with an additional source of information about the status of MPRB lakes. Aesthetics can be difficult to evaluate since they are dependent on one’s own experience and preferences. But LAURI provides lake users with an easily understandable recreational suitability indicator for MPRB lakes that incorporates aesthetics and the health of the lake. Data is collected during the growing season (May to September).
