The IJC Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board released its annual report on water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, covering the period of 2015-2016. The primary focus is on inputs of the nutrient phosphorus to the Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River as a priority issue of concern. Other indicators of aquatic ecosystem health are covered for many of the major boundary water lakes in the watershed. Highlights include:
- Nutrients and algae are a concern for Lake of the Woods, with total phosphorus concentrations exceeding Minnesota and Ontario criteria. Widespread blooms of blue green algae continue to occur.
- Tributaries to the Rainy River frequently exceed the IJC Alert Level for phosphorus.
- Fish populations are generally in a good state, although there are concerns in some areas of over fishing.
- Invasive species are a significant concern, with high potential for new introductions and spread of existing invaders. Spiny water flea and rusty crayfish have spread throughout most of the boundary waters. Zebra mussels first discovered in 2013 in a few headwaters lakes in the watershed and have spread downstream into the Big Fork River
- A coordinated monitoring program between Canada and the USA is needed to support a systematic approach to long term monitoring, assessment and adaptive management
Further information about the Watershed Board may be found at http://www.ijc.org/en_/RLWWB
Questions or comments may be addressed to the Board Secretaries:
- Diane deBeaumont, Canadian Secretary,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Scott Jutilla, U.S Secretary,
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