ABOUT THE PROJECT
Numerous carp on Spring Lake and Upper Prior Lake have been surgically implanted with radio-tags. These tags allow PLSLWD to track the carp with a specialized antennae in both open water and ice-on conditions. When locations are documented from multiple points on the lake, the information can be used to triangulate a specific carp’s position.
These radio-tags allow PLSLWD to find the tagged carps’ specific locations at any given time. This information is used to help figure out where the carp are spawning (so we can block them from these areas) and when they begin to aggregate (so that we can net and remove the carp from our lakes).
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
We need volunteers that are willing to use the watershed’s tracking equipment to check the tagged carp locations in Spring Lake and Upper Prior Lake.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Sign up for a two day time slot HERE.
- PLSLWD will reach out to you via email – you’ll need to sign a waiver and watch a short instructional video on how to use the antenna and receiver. You will also receive step by step instructions when you come pick up your equipment!
- Pick up the carp tracking antennae, radio receiver, and instructional binder from the PLSLWD office in Prior Lake City Hall.
- Find the carp! The volunteer will head to five different locations on the lake to track each radio-tagged fish. Once a carp has been located, the volunteer will draw an arrow on the map (found in the instructional binder) in the direction they hear the carp at each location. Locating the carp can take anywhere between 2-4 hours. If tracking in open water, volunteers will need a watercraft.
- Return the equipment and map to the PLSLWD office by the next business day. Check out days are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Watershed staff will then triangulate the location of each carp.
TIMEFRAME
Throughout the year when its safe to travel by water or over ice to track the carp.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Shauna Capron at 952-440-0101 or scapron@plslwd.org.
READY TO VOLUNTEER?
Click Here to Track Carp