Project background
Mystery snails are well-documented in Minnesota lakes, but there is limited understanding of their habitat preferences and if those preferences might impact sensitive vegetation like wild rice. There is growing concern about mystery snails invading lakes with wild rice and as a result, some tribes are starting hand removal efforts to protect wild rice beds, especially those found within Reservation boundaries.
Mystery snails feed mostly on algae and decaying material. They could still harm wild rice, especially during early growth stages, by disturbing sediment, grazing on biofilms growing on young plants, or contributing to poorer water quality through nutrient release. Their ability to switch to filter-feeding may also help them survive in wild rice lakes even before vegetation appears.
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, evaluate effectiveness of hand removal at reducing mystery snail densities.
This work will improve predictions of where mystery snails may threaten wild rice and assess whether targeted hand removal can help protect key habitats.
* Project image by Hillary Olsen, Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa