Minnesota Working To Reclaim Geneva Lake

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[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]OWATONNA, MN—Southern Minnesota's Geneva Lake, is getting a much needed overhaul from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The lake's water and habitat quality has recently suffered as a result of overabundant rough fish, suspended silt, algae blooms and prolonged flooding[/size][/#000000][/font]

[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]Last August, however, the DNR initiated efforts to restore aquatic habitats in the lake, starting with reducing populations of carp. To do this, the lake level was lowered to spur winterkill of rough fish and expose portions of the lake bottom in spring, which is expected to encourage regeneration of emergent plants like bulrushes and cattails. [/size][/#000000][/font]

[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]To keep rough fish out after the drawdown, screens will be placed at the dam to prevent carp from repopulating the lake. [/size][/#000000][/font]

[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]For more information, contact Area Wildlife Manager, Jeanine Vorland, 8485 Rose St., Owatonna, MN 55060; (507) 455-5841; [url "mailto:jeanine.vorland@dnr.state.mn.us"][#0000ff]jeanine.vorland@dnr.state.mn.us[/#0000ff][/url]. [/size][/#000000][/font]
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