This summer KLA (with Karen Langmo at the helm) conducted a vegetation study on Lake Koronis. This is to obtain a baseline of what species inhabit the lake’s vegetation community and to identify any aquatic invasive species that might already be present. This study will be able to help with future vegetation management decisions. An official report will be posted here this fall.

Assisting us with this study is Ben Austing. He is a graduate student in biology at St Cloud State University; he lives in Sauk Rapids MN and works at Thomsen’s Greenhouse in St Joseph. He is working under the supervision of Dr. Jorge Arriagada, a professor of biology at SCSU.

The goals of the study are;

1. Record all the aquatic plant species present in the lake littoral zone
2. Estimate the maximum depth of rooted vegetation
3. Estimate percent of littoral zones occupied by rooted vegetation
4. Develop distribution maps/graphs for the most common species
5. Survey for the presence or absence of invasive species

Zebra mussel traps are placed in strategic areas to specifically monitor/test for their presence.

Results are posted here.

Pirz Lake Association member Tom Weber and KLA board member Sue Eyre help teach others about AIS and how to inspect their boats in order to prevent any transfer of them.