Protecting Forested Watersheds for Sustainable Fish Habitats

Lakes within the forested portion of Minnesota have the highest water quality in the state. The exceptional water quality in these lakes provides excellent fish habitat that consists of clear water, abundant rooted macrophytes, oxygenated hypolimnia, and periphyton-free spawning substrates. Significantly lower rates of nutrient export from forest land, compared to urban and agricultural lands, maintain relatively low concentrations of total phosphorus in these lakes. Protecting forested landcover in the watersheds of these lakes is critical for maintaining high water quality. Unfortunately, forested areas near lakes are in high demand for development and nutrient exports are expected to increase. Fortunately, large funding sources are now available in Minnesota through a dedicated sales tax for conservation (~$180 M US per year) making watershed protection efforts possible at a landscape level. One conservation tool, working forest conservation easements, has the potential to provide watershed-scale protection for a large number of lakes in Minnesota.  The economic costs of such large-scale protection will be explored.