http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/84278 2026-03-12T11:38:37Z http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/96331 Harmful Algae Bloom (HABs) Dynamics in Mixing Zones of Lake Superior Burkhart, Rylee; Reinl, Kaitlin L. Phytoplankton, commonly referred to as algae, are found in water and create the base of the food web in aquatic ecosystems. When an ecosystem becomes unbalanced, phytoplankton can grow too much which can result in an algal bloom. Algal blooms can negatively impact the aquatic ecosystem by blocking sunlight while also taking up nutrients and other resources away from the natural plants and wildlife in the area. One species of phytoplankton, cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae), can produce and release harmful toxins into the water and concentrate into scum called a harmful algae bloom (HAB). Although Lake Superior is oligotrophic or nutrient-depleted, blooms have been more frequently observed within the St. Louis River Estuary (SLRE) throughout the last decade, which has bi-directional exchange with Lake Superior. This research was conducted to identify spatial and temporal patterns in phytoplankton species in the SLRE and southern shore of Lake Superior, with an emphasis on cyanobacteria. The results of this work help us understand the phenology of phytoplankton and what causes shifts in distribution and abundance throughout seasonal changes. Results of this study show brown algae species (diatoms) as the most abundant species at all locations over the sampling season, but overall algae community composition varies considerably among sampling locations. When present, peaks in cyanobacteria species were found at one sampling location at a time and their occurrence often lasted one day. This demonstrates that seasonality in environmental drivers and geographical location play an important role in phytoplankton community composition through time. N/A 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/96317 Designing and implementing a pre-burn monitoring protocol for Wisconsin Point Schwartz, Daniel Wisconsin Point is a baymouth bar separating the St. Louis River Estuary from Lake Superior. Its forests have long been stewarded by Ojibwe people, including regular use of ishkode (fire) on the landscape before fire suppression over the last 150 years. Pine forests are fire-dependent. Fires encourage growth of pyrogenic plants like red pine and blueberry. This monitoring project is part of plans to reintroduce cultural prescribed fire to Wisconsin Point. Burns are currently planned at two sites on Wisconsin Point: a dense red pine plantation (expected spring 2026) and a roadside mixed stand of older growth red and white pines (in fall 2025). We developed a pre- and post-burn vegetation monitoring plan which will allow the team to assess whether project goals are met. This poster includes plant monitoring protocol and results collected on Wisconsin Point prior to culturally prescribed fire in 2025. 2025-07-28T00:00:00Z http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/96066 Waterway Benefits Study Fact Sheet Wick, Molly The Waterway Benefits Study was conducted in 2021–2022 to explore the St. Louis River estuary community’s deep connections to our local waterways including Gichigami (Lake Superior), Gichigami-Ziibi (the St. Louis River estuary), and our many local streams. The goal of the study was to help guide decision-making to increase access to these waters for all. We surveyed 532 residents about their experiences with Lake Superior, the St. Louis River estuary, and local streams in the previous year. We then conducted follow-up interviews with 42 survey participants about their relationships with water. This fact sheet offers an overview of the study’s findings. This fact sheet offers an overview of the study’s findings. 2024-10-01T00:00:00Z http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/95787 Stewardship Plan for Nekuk Island (Nigigo-minis) Waite, David Nekuk Island (Nigigo-minis, otter island, in Ojibwe) is an important source of habitat and a significant cultural site located in the upper St. Louis River Estuary. Two centuries ago, the island was part of the Ojibwe settlement at Fond du Lac, and remains an important site for members of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. It supports a mosaic of floodplain vegetation, but its ecology is threatened by invasive species like the emerald ash borer and common buckthorn. The island’s ash canopy is dying, which will have a major impact on environmental conditions. Without stewardship, it is likely that the island will see reduced biodiversity, increased erosion, and an expansion of invasive species. This stewardship plan proposes a set of management actions to help guide the island’s succession while safeguarding its cultural resources. It was developed by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in collaboration with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Wisconsin DNR. Collectively, we envision the island as a source of cultural and climate resiliency in the estuary, prepared for whatever changes the future may hold. 2025-08-01T00:00:00Z