AIS News
Learn how to identify AIS: A new program is being offered through the University of Minnesota Extension to teach regular citizens how to identify and report aquatic invasive species. More to come out in April. This is what we will use to notify DNR. May 4, 11, 17, June 1 classes throughout the state.
Starry Stonewort: University of Minnesota researchers have reported limited success from an experiment to control an invasive weed in Lake Koronis near Paynesville.
Researchers from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Center have studying how to combat starry stonewort, which has been spread to 11 lakes across the state. They found that a combination of mechanical harvesting and algaecide greatly reduced the biomass of the plants in the treated area. And it was more effective than chemical treatment alone.
But they also found the tiny star-shaped structures on the weed called "bulbils" that can sprout into new plants remained viable after treatment. Preventing recovery will require further research.
· MAISRC starting 6 new programs: Determining highest-risk vectors of spiny waterflea spread, led by Dr. Valerie Brady. This study will quantify the relative risk of spread posed by spiny waterflea attaching on commonly used recreational equipment. Results will be disseminated to anglers, the tourism industry, and lake associations and will help recreationalists prioritize their cleaning efforts in order to prevent further spread of spiny waterfleas.
· Cost-effective monitoring of lakes newly infested with zebra mussels, led by Dr. John Fieberg. This study will develop recommendations for underwater survey methods to estimate zebra mussel population abundance and distribution in newly infested lakes. This will guide treatment options and post-treatment monitoring.
· Sustaining walleye populations: assessing impacts of AIS, led by Dr. Gretchen Hansen. This study will quantify the impacts of zebra mussels and spiny waterfleas on walleye and their food webs in large lakes in order to identify management strategies.
· Building scientific and management capacity to respond to invasive Phragmites in Minnesota, led by Dr. Daniel Larkin. This project will map invasive Phragmites statewide, assess its reproductive potential, and develop management protocols for responding to different invasion scenarios.
· Eurasian and hybrid watermilfoil genotype distribution in Minnesota, led by Dr. Ray Newman. This project will quantify the genetic diversity of Eurasian, hybrid, and northern watermilfoil in Minnesota lakes in order to identify relationships among genetic composition and environmental conditions, native plant communities, and herbicidal management history.
· Decision-making tool for optimal management of AIS, led by Dr. Nicholas Phelps. This project will develop a decision-making tool to help AIS managers, counties, and other agencies prioritize their resources for optimal prevention and intervention of AIS, specifically zebra mussels and starry stonewort. It will take into account water connectivity, boater movement, species-specific ecological niche models, and more.
Gary Berg is running the State of Water Conference, 12 – 14 April 2018 at Breezy Point. Looking for some new information coming out from the winter tests that have been run.
