07-22-1991 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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I- to idcDtily or properly remove the plants. The DNR has been given the responsibility to control the plant in protected waters and wetlands, but it lacks the staff and resources needed to carry out effective eradication programs. Another potential problem is the exotic animal species, zebra mussel. It is a extremely fast growing, extremely productive member of the shellfish family, which has found a new environment where it has little competition and few natural controls. The most effec^ control program involves the eradication of the exotic plant or animal before it becomes established. Noxious aquatic and emergent weed and exotic animal control management systems need to be developed to assure the continued functioning of the lake and wetlands. £kiuiu Lake Minnetonka provides the most productive fishing in the seven county metropolitan area. The lake is rated as the finest bass lake in Minnesota. The diversity of aquatic habitat in the lake supports an abundance of fish species. More major bass tournaments arc conducted on the lake than on any other lake in Minnesota. The exceptional quality of the lake and its proximity to the major population centers in the Metropolitan Area makes it imperative that the lake be managed in such a manner as to protect and enhance the fishing resources. The condition of the Lake Minnetonka fishery is largely unknown. Monitoring data on the fishery is inad^uate and needs to be significantly increased in order to develop an effective environmental protection program for this part of the Lake's eco-system. The DNR’s fishery goals are focused on maintaining sustainable populations of native fish, improving regulation of fishing tournaments on the lake, and improved population monitoring. Additional information is needed on the effects of aquatic weeds and weed harvesting on fish populations. The primary objMtive of fisheries management is the protection and enhancement of fish habitat. This includes maintenance of good water quality, protection of spawning and nursery areas, and provision of adequate cover for juvenile fish and forage species, lliese activities are essential for self-sustaining populations of fish in the lake. The major threats to fish habitat in Lake Miiuietonka at this time appear to be deteriorating water quality, improper development/redevelopment of shoreline, and the invasion of exotic wildlife species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Tte DNR has been the primary agency responsible for monitoring and managing the fisheries in Lake Miiuietonka. The DNR protects a few designated bass spawning areas for the purpose of obtaining fish stock for otlm lakes in the state. Staff and budget limitations of the DNR have not allowed a full fish monitoring prograiiL Fish populations are monitored only indirectly through the present fisheries survey program. Creel census data to determine harvest rates are particularly needed. Proposed Management Structure 7/11 Draft - 4