Things have been busy lately with the District’s carp management program! Here are a few updates of what has been going on:
The Northwoods Barrier is IN!
On Saturday, Sierra metals installed the Northwood barrier on the west side of Upper Prior Lake. This will block carp from entering this known spawning area when they start moving upstream later this spring.
First Micro-Haul Attempt
A small group of carp on Spring Lake were grouped in an area unsuitable for seining. Rather than miss out on an opportunity, staff tried using one of the District’s small block nets to try and get the carp on Sunday for a “micro-haul”! While only 20 carp were caught, staff figured out some of the logistics this new tool.
Gill Netting Pilot Project
If conditions are right, the District will try to complete the Gill Netting Pilot Project in Mud/Crystal Bay either tomorrow or later this week. The goal is to see if gill nets can be used as a supplemental method to remove carp from the lakes without harming native fish. Gill nets are a great tool that most other states allow for carp, but Minnesota has restrictions that we hope to help change. 
Ferric Chloride Facility Temporary Barrier
A temporary barrier will be installed at the ferric chloride facility site this week to prevent carp migration while we wait for better, lower water conditions to install in the permanent barrier later this year. The Geis wetland is a known carp spawning location so the District is working to prevent carp from accessing this wetland for spawning.