Heron Lake in far southwestern Minnesota was once considered one of North America’s most productive waterfowl lakes and in an effort return the lake into a productive waterfowl rest stop, the DNR has once again revamped their management plant.
The DNR will systematically be adding predatory fish to sharpen the attack against the destructive carp, bullheads and fathead minnows that overpopulate the lake. The quick-to-multiply rough fish have stirred up the bottom and wiped out natural beds of wild celery and other plant food. When the food disappeared, so did the once-thunderous clouds of migratory ducks and geese.
Coupled with intentional water drawdowns in the lake, the overarching purpose is to foster the growth of aquatic vegetation. Sustaining plant life in Heron Lake won’t only feed ducks, but it will cleanse the water. The growth of aquatic vegetation helps lower farm runoff pollution from suspended sediments and excess nutrients.