On this page, you will find a curated collection of research papers, reports, and studies that Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) has identified as valuable for understanding and addressing key challenges facing Minnesota’s water resources.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Increased mercury concentrations in walleye and yellow perch in lakes invaded by zebra mussels (2024)
This study reveals that adult walleye in lakes invaded by zebra mussels exhibit 72% higher mercury concentrations, while adult yellow perch show an astonishing 157% increase compared to those in uninvaded lakes
Evaluation of a Decade of Management of Starry Stonewort (2025)
Over a decade of data from 38 lakes in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota showed that copper-based treatments rarely slowed starry stonewort spread at the whole-lake scale, while localized hand-pulling proved effective for small, early infestations. The study also found that monitoring gaps—such as a lack of untreated comparison areas—limited the ability to measure true treatment success.
Lakeshore Residents’ Perspectives on AIS Management (2024)
This factsheet outlines the results of a statewide online survey of Minnesota lakeshore residents. Seventy-two percent of respondents believe aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a severe problem, and 82% report having personally observed AIS in Minnesota waters. The survey also highlights MLR as the second most-trusted source for AIS information, following the University of Minnesota.
Coming Clean (to the lake) (2024)
The study focuses on evaluating various cleaning techniques, including hand removal, garden hoses, vacuums, and air blowers, to determine their effectiveness in removing AIS from boat interiors. This research is crucial as over 800 lakes in Minnesota are currently infested with some type of invasive species, and the goal is to protect the remaining lakes.
Recreationist Willingness to Pay for AIS Management (2021)
This survey examined recreationists’ willingness to pay for aquatic invasive species (AIS) management on Minnesota lakes, focusing on infestations of zebra mussels and starry stonewort. Researchers surveyed lake visitors during the summer to determine whether the presence of AIS influenced their willingness to pay a daily access fee to support management efforts. Results showed that, on average, visitors were willing to pay around $9–$10 per day, with no significant difference between lakes with and without infestations
Quantifying the effectiveness of three aquatic invasive species prevention methods (2024)
This study evaluated the effectiveness of boater education, watercraft inspection, and hot water decontamination in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) at 56 Minnesota and 1 Wisconsin public water access sites with 144 participants. Hot water decontamination proved most effective (84% removal rate), followed closely by watercraft inspection (79%), while boaters removed AIS at a lower rate (56%), though they remain a critical part of prevention. The research also identified commonly overlooked boat areas—such as winches, bow lines, and transducers—and highlighted high variability in removal methods, emphasizing the need for standardized outreach and training.
Loons
Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program 2024 Annual Report
According to the 2024 Minnesota Loon Monitoring Program Annual Report, Minnesota’s adult common loon population remains stable across the state’s six index areas. However, juvenile populations have experienced a slight but detectable decline of approximately 0.3% per year over the past three decades.
Climate-Related Loss of Water Clarity Threatens a Northern Icon
This study examines the decline of common loons in parts of their breeding range. Factors such as increased July rainfall and temperature are contributing to reduced water clarity, which in turn affects the loons’ ability to find food and successfully reproduce. This decline is particularly concerning as loons are long-lived species, and the effects of these environmental changes may not become apparent for several decades. The study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to address climate-related impacts on water quality to protect these iconic birds.
Shorelines
Minnesota’s Vanishing Natural Shorelines: A Loss that Contributes to Degraded Lake Quality
This essential whitepaper produced by the Minnesota Natural Shoreline Partnership outlines the cause and impacts of overdevelopment along shorelines in the state. It reports an astounding loss of 40 to 50%
Fish
Analysis of bigmouth buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus spawning phenology in Minnesota reveals 50-year recruitment failure and conservation concern (2024)
This study on the spawning phenology of bigmouth buffalo in Minnesota revealed a significant decline in recruitment over the past 50 years. The study found that 99.7% of the current population hatched before 1972, indicating a failure in successful reproduction since then. Factors contributing to this decline include altered water management practices and increased predation on young-of-the-year fish. The median age of the population is now 79 years, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts
2025 Minnesota Fishing Regulations
Outlines seasons, limits, and rules for fishing in inland waters, Lake Superior, and tributaries. This guide covers species protections, legal tackle, and invasive species prevention, as well as licensing requirements and fees, helping anglers fish responsibly and in compliance with state law.
Get the Lead Out – Where to buy lead-free tackle
This practical database produced by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency helps anglers and retailers locate lead-free fishing tackle across the state. It provides a searchable list of manufacturers and retailers, making it easier to choose non-toxic alternatives and support the “Get the Lead Out” program to protect wildlife.
Wake Boating & Wave Impact
A Field Study of Maximum Wave Height, Total Wave Energy, and Maximum Wave Power Produced by Four Recreational Boats on a Freshwater Lake (2022)
This study presents findings from Phase One of the Healthy Waters Initiative, a series of independent studies conducted by the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. Using advanced sensors and onboard navigation systems, researchers measured wave height, energy, and power across different boat types, speeds, and distances from shore. Key findings show that wakesurf boats produce the largest and most energetic waves, while traditional recreational boats generate smaller wakes. The research also demonstrates that operational distance from shore significantly affects wave attenuation, suggesting that wakesurf boats should operate at least 500 feet from shore to minimize impacts.
A Field Study of Recreational Powerboat Hydrodynamics and their Impacts on the Water Column and Lakebed (2025)
Building on prior research into surface wakes, this study focused on underwater hydrodynamics, including bow and stern pressure waves, transverse waves, and propeller wash, and their effects on lakebeds, sediment resuspension, and aquatic vegetation. The research provides science-based guidance for safe boating practices, including recommendations for operating in at least 10 feet of water for most boats and 20 feet or deeper for wakeboats in semi-displacement (surfing) mode, helping lake users enjoy recreation while protecting water quality and lake ecosystems.
Lake Associations
Research on Associations
Minnesota’s Lake Associations: Who they are and what they do (2017)
A 2017 survey by Concordia College studied lake association impacts and learned lake associations, taken collectively, are the largest and most active conservation group in the state. This is why MLR is working to unify lake associations into a unified force that will protect our lakes and rivers.
Lake Home and Cabin Ownership Survey (2016)
The 2016 MLR survey of lakefront property owners shows that Minnesota’s cabin and lake home owners are aging, often hold properties for decades, and primarily use them for recreation or retirement. Many support efforts to protect fisheries, especially walleye, and see value in expanding broadband access across Greater Minnesota. This research provides key insights for stewardship, policy, and planning.
Tools & Planning Guides
Local AIS Action Framework – Plan put together by at the 2018 Aquatic Invaders Summit
Guidelines for Study Design and Water Sampling Use this resource from the Handbooks for Water-Resources Investigations. This chapter from the U.S. Geological Survey provides technical wisdom to guide techniques for water sampling.
Lake Home & Cabin Owners: Insight & Policy
Strong Towns “Growth Ponzi Scheme” – on why leveraging property taxes on lakeshore is not a winning strategy for towns
Saving Minnesota’s Recreational Lands for Public Enjoyment – How we can use the property tax code to protect and improve water quality.
Water clarity is most important factor in determining lakeshore property values.
Among the many factors affecting lakeshore property values, water clarity is the most important, according to a study by two Bemidji State University professors.
Are lakes a public good or exclusive resource? Interviews reveal two “lake ethics”—seeing lakes as a public good or as an exclusive resource—and highlight the importance of incorporating community values into management strategies.