This project will determine the historical distribution, abundance, and toxicity of the invasive blue-green alga, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, in Minnesota lakes using a combination of paleolimnological and contemporary monitoring techniques
Design and evaluate 10 market-based scenarios for perennial cropping systems and their potential to improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. Create awareness through thought-provoking videos, fact sheets, and presentations.
We examine the recent spread, origin, cause, and economic and ecological threat of nuisance rock snot formation in North Shore streams and Lake Superior to inform management and outreach.
We propose conducting the first statewide analysis mapping the extent of Minnesota’s unprofitable cropland and estimating both the water-quality and habitat benefits of converting these lands to perennial crops/vegetation.
Minnesota has widespread water quality impairments due to nonpoint-source pollution generated by agricultural, urban, and other human-altered lands. Mitigation of these impairments requires implementing best management practices (BMPs) that are designed to limit soil erosion and nutrient transport from lands to receiving waters. Long-term data sets of water quality and land-use history are needed to tease apart the many factors that affect water quality. In particular, data sets that span periods before and after BMP implementation are needed to determine BMP effectiveness.
