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.

zebra musselsZebra mussels have not made it into Lake of the Woods or the Rainy River, yet.  But they have invaded several headwaters upstream in the watershed. On October 30, 2017 Minnesota DNR confirmed that zebra mussels in Dora Lake and the upper reaches of the Big Fork River, downstream of Sand Lake MN where zebra mussels were first confirmed in our watershed in 2013. 

ECCC public info session KenoraOn August 14th, 2017 Environment and Climate change Canada (ECCC) scientists and staff hosted a day-long public information session in Kenora. The event showcased the science underway to better understand the issue of toxic and nuisance algae in the Lake of the Woods and what actions are needed to ensure a healthy lake now and into the future. 

A series of posters displays were presented, summarizing the research project underway: pdf ECCC Science Info Session Posters - August 4, 2017 Kenora (7.85 MB)

March 7-8, 2018:  Rainy River Community College, International Falls, Minnesota

Overview: Symposium for researchers and resource managers working in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed.

Themes: Climate change, nutrients & algae, invasive species, paleolimnology, fisheries, and new techniques — advances in monitoring, remote sensing, modeling, data management and visualization.

Abstract Deadline: January 12, 2018.  Submisssion details, please see www.lowwsf.com/abstract-submission

More Info:  at the Foundation's website www.lowwsf.com/watershed-forum.

  1. You're Invited to a Lake of the Woods Science Information Session in Kenora
  2. LOWBREWCO Charity Pints Program
  3. Science & Policy Converge at Forum
  4. Minnesota Scientist Honoured

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