About
The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), the 1854 Treaty Authority, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are partnering to investigate whether invasive mystery snails can live in wild rice habitat and thus may be a threat to sensitive wild rice. Researchers will survey various Minnesota lakes to determine the environmental conditions that support high snail densities and assess their potential to colonize and harm wild rice beds. Additionally, the team will evaluate the effectiveness of manual hand removal as a sustainable, non-chemical method for protecting these vital wild rice stands from snail infestations.
Funding
The University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) through support from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources
Resources
Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) Project Page.
Project Overview
Although mystery snails are increasingly common in Minnesota’s lakes, researchers currently lack a clear picture of their specific habitat preferences and how those preferences might overlap with sensitive native vegetation. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning as these snails continue to spread into waters containing wild rice. To mitigate potential damage, several tribal nations have already begun proactive manual removal efforts to safeguard wild rice beds within their jurisdictions.
Researchers will conduct surveys across various lake habitat and substrate types to quantify mystery snail densities, their habitat preferences, and their potential to live in areas with sensitive vegetation such as wild rice.
Project Goals and Outcomes
Project Goals
Determine habitat preferences of mystery snails in lakes in Northeastern Minnesota, and determine whether they are living at similar densities in habitat similar to that occupied by wild rice. Determine snail densities in each habitat type.
With Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa staff and Fond du Lac Indigenous Conservation Corps crews, evaluate effectiveness of hand removal at reducing mystery snail densities.
Project Outcomes
The anticipated outcomes are a clearer understanding of Chinese mystery snail habitat preferences and their potential to impact sensitive wild rice beds, along with a practical assessment of hand removal as a control strategy. The key anticipated result is that the project provides actionable data for invasive species managers and tribal partners to assess the threat to wild rice beds and the effectiveness of hand removals.
Project Team and Partners
Project Team
- Valerie Brady, Principal Investigator, Sr. Research Associate, Aquatic Ecologist, Natural Resources Research Institute
- Matt Santo, Co-Principal Investigator, Invasive Species Coordinator, 1854 Treaty Authority
- Madison Bear, Invasive Species Coordinator, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: Resource Management Division
Project Partners
- The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is leading this project, coordinating research activities and laboratory analysis.
- The 1854 Treaty Authority is providing an Invasive Species Specialist to assist with site selection, field surveys, and project outreach.
- The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is leading the field-based hand removal study to protect wild rice habitats.
- The Maajii-akii-gikenjigewin Field Crew and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa are conducting the manual snail removal efforts near wild rice beds.
- Funding for this project is provided by the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) through support from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources
Project Contact
For more information, please contact the project coordinator:
Valerie Brady | Office: 218-788-2753 | Email: [email protected]
Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth
5013 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811