Purpose

The purpose of the study is to achieve the following objectives:

• Estimate escapement rates of fish from Big Sandy Lake through the dam in relation to environmental and chronological conditions
• Estimate the proportion of the fish population that remain in the lake compared with those that move upriver in the watershed
• Estimate fish mortality rates
• Estimate angler harvest of walleye, northern pike, black crappie and yellow perch in Big Sandy Lake
• Monitor population dynamics for walleye, northern pike, tullibee, black crappie and yellow perch

This data will provide managers a better understanding of fish behavior, harvest, movement and escapement in this reservoir with emphasis on the configuration and operation of Big Sandy Dam. The results could be used to alter harvest regulations, guide dam management, and guide the construction, operation, and timing of fish passage structures and/or barriers to reduce or optimize fish escapement.

Description

This is a Planning Assistance to States (PAS) 50/50 cost-shared study between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). A Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit Agreement between Iowa State University and USACE was executed in April 2021 and allows Iowa state to partner on the study and provide technical expertise. Stakeholders such as tribal partners and the Big Sandy Lake Association have been engaged to support this study.

Status

The PAS agreement between the Minnesota DNR and USACE was executed on Jan. 31, 2020. The study is planned to span 5 years, from 2020 to 2024. Fisheries and hydrological assessments are ongoing. A partnering meeting with the Minnesota DNR and USACE leadership was held in October 2020 at Sandy Lake Dam. The fish surveys and analysis tasks are complete. USACE is currently working with the Minnesota DNR and Iowa State University to produce the final report.

Authority

The PAS program was authorized by Section 22 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1974 (Public Law 93-251), as amended. Section 208 of WRDA 1992 amended WRDA 1974 to include eligible Native American tribes as equivalent to a state.

Funding

The Minnesota DNR is using work-in-kind as 100% of its cost share.

Federal funds                                                $379,000
Minnesota DNR funds                                  $379,000
Total study cost                                             $758,000

Federal funding breakdown
Fiscal year 2020                                               $88,750
Fiscal year 2021                                               $83,750
Fiscal year 2022                                             $103,750
Fiscal year 2023                                             $103,750
Fiscal year 2024                                               $19,000