The project will map ecosystem services such as clean water, recreation, wild rice, and healthy fisheries found across Minnesota’s lakes and link that information with models that predict how aquatic invasive species (AIS) spread. By combining these data, this project will strengthen prevention efforts and support better management decisions.
The research team will gather information on important lake-based ecosystem services using existing datasets, published studies, and guidance from people who rely on these resources. They will also adapt network-based models, similar to those used to track how diseases spread, to simulate how zebra mussels and starry stonewort could move across the state under different prevention strategies.
The results will be added to AIS Explorer, a decision-support tool that helps managers compare prevention options and understand the tradeoffs involved when considering both invasive species risks and the benefits lakes provide. Although many managers already consider these benefits in their daily decision-making, the project will make that process more consistent and transparent by providing easy-to-use tools and models that highlight which services matter most to different communities. It will also support stronger communication among regional partners who may value lake resources in different ways.