FY23 CWF East Lake Rough Fish Barrier Project

The VRWJPO, and its partner, the City of Lakeville, propose the installation of a fish barrier to prevent migration of rough fish between East Lake in Lakeville, MN and the North Creek tributary of the Vermillion River (North Creek). The partners also propose rough fish removals from East Lake. East Lake is a nutrient-impaired water body. Rough fish, specifically common carp and goldfish are both invasive species that have been found to be exacerbating internal nutrient load issues within East Lake. A low-voltage electric fish barrier would be installed between East Lake and its connection with North Creek. The barrier will prevent migration of these invasive species, which will allow the VRWJPO and partners the opportunity to remove the rough fish species from the lake to populations acceptable for sustainable management purposes. Once the rough fish population is addressed, other improvements to address the Lake's internal load and work toward meeting the Lake's TMDL can be accomplished. The barrier and subsequent removals of these species would reduce the total phosphorus load in East Lake by 23 pounds per year. This grant request is only for the installation of the low-voltage fish barrier, and the fish removals and other match would be provided by the local partners.