Voyageurs National Park was established in 1975 to preserve the scenery and remote system of interconnected waterways along a portion of the US-Canada border. The complexity of the waterways increased with the installation of dams in the early 1900s. Subsequently, the International Joint Commission set rules governing dam operation (rule curves) for this system of lakes, with the most recent adjustment in 2018. The U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service collaborated on several studies to evaluate the rule curves and how they are related to a wide range of hydrologic, environmental, and cultural resources observed in park lakes.
Within Voyageurs National Park, along the Minnesota-Canadian border, water levels are controlled by a series of dams to support a
variety of uses. Previous research has indicated a relation between these artificially maintained water levels and water-quality and aquatic biological effects in these lakes (Christensen et al. 2011, 2013; Cole 1979, 1982; Kallemeyn et al. 1993). Relations were documented between water levels and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the most eutrophic lakes in the system (Christensen et al. 2011) and a link was established between water-level fluctuations and mercury concentrations in fish (Wiener et al. 2006, 2013) due to the drying and rewetting of wetlands and other near-shore areas, which may release methylmercury into the water when inundated.
A better understanding of water-level effects on water quality and biology was needed. To address this need, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, and other agencies cooperated in a series of studies to assess the importance of water-level fluctuation and other factors affecting water-quality and mercury concentrations of fish in lakes of Voyageurs National Park. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the findings of these studies where international water-level regulation was a major factor.
Our research has shown a decrease in chlorophyll-a concentration and an increase in Secchi depth in two of the most eutrophic water bodies in the park. However, significant improvements were not seen for total phosphorus. A follow-up study suggested a possible link between frequent recirculation and internal recycling of phosphorus. Additional studies evaluated trophic state, flow direction, fish mercury concentrations, cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, and cultural resources. These collaborative studies provided useful information for a review of previous rule curves leading to the 2018 Supplementary Order issued by the International Joint Commission, which prescribes a new method of regulating water levels of international border lakes.
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Phytoplankton enumeration and identification from a recurring algal bloom location in Sullivan Bay, Kabetogama Lake, northern Minnesota, 2016
Below are publications associated with this project.
Phytoplankton community interactions and cyanotoxin mixtures in three recurring surface blooms within one lake
A review of algal toxin exposures on reserved federal lands and among trust species in the United States
Freshwater cyanotoxin mixtures in recurring cyanobacterial blooms in Voyageurs National Park
Cyanotoxin mixture models: Relating environmental variables and toxin co-occurrence to human exposure risk
Toxic cyanobacterial blooms, often containing multiple toxins, are a serious public health issue. However, there are no known models that predict a cyanotoxin mixture (anatoxin-a, microcystin, saxitoxin). This paper presents two cyanotoxin mixture models (MIX) and compares them to two microcystin (MC) models from data collected in 2016–2017 from three recurring cyanobacterial bloom locations in Ka
Rapid-assessment test strips: Effectiveness forcyanotoxin monitoring in a northern temperate lake
Freshwater neurotoxins and concerns for human, animal, and ecosystemhealth: A review of anatoxin-a and saxitoxin
Phytoplankton community and algal toxicity at a recurring bloom in Sullivan Bay, Kabetogama Lake, Minnesota, USA
Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA suffers from recurring late summer algal blooms that often contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Previous research identified the toxin microcystin in blooms, but we wanted to better understand how the algal and cyanobacterial community changed throughout an open water season and how changes in community structure were related to toxin pr
Techniques for estimating the magnitude and frequency of peak flows on small streams in the binational U.S. and Canadian Lake of the Woods–Rainy River Basin upstream from Kenora, Ontario, Canada, based on data through water year 2013
A history of trade routes and water-level regulation on waterways in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA
Voyageurs National Park: Water-level regulation and effects on water quality and aquatic biology
Lake levels and water quality in comparison to fish mercury body burdens, Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, 2013–15
Discharge and nutrient transport between lakes in a hydrologically complex area of Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, 2010-2012
- Overview
Voyageurs National Park was established in 1975 to preserve the scenery and remote system of interconnected waterways along a portion of the US-Canada border. The complexity of the waterways increased with the installation of dams in the early 1900s. Subsequently, the International Joint Commission set rules governing dam operation (rule curves) for this system of lakes, with the most recent adjustment in 2018. The U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service collaborated on several studies to evaluate the rule curves and how they are related to a wide range of hydrologic, environmental, and cultural resources observed in park lakes.
Within Voyageurs National Park, along the Minnesota-Canadian border, water levels are controlled by a series of dams to support a
Photo of water flowing into Voyageurs National Park (by Victoria G. Christensen, August 2019). USGS and academic scientists examined cyanotoxins and cyanobacterial communities from recurring algae blooms in Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park. They documented the presence of 7 understudied toxins and identified correlations among toxins and cyanobacteria, revealing potential competitive relations among cyanobacteria. Christensen, V.G., Olds, H.T., Norland, Jack, and Khan, Eakalak, 2022, Phytoplankton community interactions and cyanotoxin mixtures in three recurring surface blooms within one lake: Journal of Hazardous Materials, vol. 427, April 2022, 128142 variety of uses. Previous research has indicated a relation between these artificially maintained water levels and water-quality and aquatic biological effects in these lakes (Christensen et al. 2011, 2013; Cole 1979, 1982; Kallemeyn et al. 1993). Relations were documented between water levels and chlorophyll-a concentrations in the most eutrophic lakes in the system (Christensen et al. 2011) and a link was established between water-level fluctuations and mercury concentrations in fish (Wiener et al. 2006, 2013) due to the drying and rewetting of wetlands and other near-shore areas, which may release methylmercury into the water when inundated.
A better understanding of water-level effects on water quality and biology was needed. To address this need, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, and other agencies cooperated in a series of studies to assess the importance of water-level fluctuation and other factors affecting water-quality and mercury concentrations of fish in lakes of Voyageurs National Park. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the findings of these studies where international water-level regulation was a major factor.
Our research has shown a decrease in chlorophyll-a concentration and an increase in Secchi depth in two of the most eutrophic water bodies in the park. However, significant improvements were not seen for total phosphorus. A follow-up study suggested a possible link between frequent recirculation and internal recycling of phosphorus. Additional studies evaluated trophic state, flow direction, fish mercury concentrations, cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms, and cultural resources. These collaborative studies provided useful information for a review of previous rule curves leading to the 2018 Supplementary Order issued by the International Joint Commission, which prescribes a new method of regulating water levels of international border lakes.
- Data
Below are data or web applications associated with this project.
Phytoplankton enumeration and identification from a recurring algal bloom location in Sullivan Bay, Kabetogama Lake, northern Minnesota, 2016
This data release provides phytoplankton identification, phytoplankton enumeration, chlorophyll concentration, phaeophytin concentration, phycocyanin data, and nutrient quality assurance data from three recurring algal bloom sites in Kabetogama Lake, Voyaguers National Park, Minnesota in 2016 and 2017. The goal of this research is to better understand the drivers of algal bloom toxicity in the lar - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 16Phytoplankton community interactions and cyanotoxin mixtures in three recurring surface blooms within one lake
Cyanobacteria can produce numerous secondary metabolites (cyanotoxins) with various toxicities, yet data on cyanotoxins in many lakes are limited. Moreover, little research is available on complex relations among cyanobacteria that produce toxins. Therefore, we studied cyanobacteria and 19 cyanotoxins at three sites with recurring blooms in Kabetogama Lake (USA). Seven of 19 toxins were detected iAuthorsVictoria Christensen, Hayley T. Olds, Jack E. Norland, Eakalak KhanA review of algal toxin exposures on reserved federal lands and among trust species in the United States
Associated health effects from algal toxin exposure are a growing concern for human and animal health. Algal toxin poisonings may occur from contact with or consumption of water supplies or from ingestion of contaminated animals. The U.S. Federal Government owns or holds in trust about 259 million hectares of land, in addition to the Trust species obligations. We completed the first comprehensiveAuthorsZachary Laughrey, Victoria Christensen, Robert J. Dusek, Sarena Senegal, Julia S. Lankton, Tracy Ziegler, Lee C. Jones, Daniel Jones, Brianna Williams, Stephanie Gordon, Gerald A. Clyde, Erich B Emery, Keith LoftinFreshwater cyanotoxin mixtures in recurring cyanobacterial blooms in Voyageurs National Park
Algal and cyanobacterial blooms can foul water systems, inhibit recreation, and produce cyanotoxins, which can be toxic to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Blooms that recur yearly present a special challenge, in that chronic effects of most cyanotoxins are unknown. To better understand cyanotoxin timing, possible environmental triggers, and inter-relations among taxa and toxins in bloom coAuthorsVictoria ChristensenCyanotoxin mixture models: Relating environmental variables and toxin co-occurrence to human exposure risk
Toxic cyanobacterial blooms, often containing multiple toxins, are a serious public health issue. However, there are no known models that predict a cyanotoxin mixture (anatoxin-a, microcystin, saxitoxin). This paper presents two cyanotoxin mixture models (MIX) and compares them to two microcystin (MC) models from data collected in 2016–2017 from three recurring cyanobacterial bloom locations in Ka
AuthorsVictoria Christensen, Erin Stelzer, Barbara C. Scudder Eikenberry, Hayley T. Olds, Jaime F. LeDuc, Ryan P. Maki, Jack E. Norland, Eakalak KhanRapid-assessment test strips: Effectiveness forcyanotoxin monitoring in a northern temperate lake
Precise and rapid methods of determining toxin levels are needed in lakes used for recreation and drinking water to facilitate a quick risk assessment during cyanobacteria blooms. Therefore, we evaluated rapid-assessment test strips, a newer technology for estimating the toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms, in Kabetogama Lake, a popular recreational area of Voyageurs National Park in northern MinnesAuthorsJaime F. LeDuc, Victoria Christensen, Ryan P. MakiFreshwater neurotoxins and concerns for human, animal, and ecosystemhealth: A review of anatoxin-a and saxitoxin
Toxic cyanobacteria are a concern worldwide because they can adversely affect humans, animals, and ecosystems. However, neurotoxins produced by freshwater cyanobacteria are understudied relative to microcystin. Thus, the objective of this critical review was to provide a comprehensive examination of the modes of action, production, fate, and occurrence of the freshwater neurotoxins anatoxin-a andAuthorsVictoria Christensen, Eakalak KhanPhytoplankton community and algal toxicity at a recurring bloom in Sullivan Bay, Kabetogama Lake, Minnesota, USA
Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA suffers from recurring late summer algal blooms that often contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Previous research identified the toxin microcystin in blooms, but we wanted to better understand how the algal and cyanobacterial community changed throughout an open water season and how changes in community structure were related to toxin pr
AuthorsVictoria Christensen, Ryan P. Maki, Erin Stelzer, Jack E. Norland, Eakalak KhanTechniques for estimating the magnitude and frequency of peak flows on small streams in the binational U.S. and Canadian Lake of the Woods–Rainy River Basin upstream from Kenora, Ontario, Canada, based on data through water year 2013
A binational study was initiated to update statistical equations that are used to estimate the magnitude and frequency of peak flows on streams in Manitoba and Ontario, Canada, and Minnesota that are contained within the binational Lake of the Woods–Rainy River Basin upstream from Kenora, Ontario, Canada. Hydraulic engineers use peak streamflow data to inform designs of bridges, culverts, and damsAuthorsChristopher A. Sanocki, Tara Williams-Sether, Peter A. Steeves, Victoria G. ChristensenA history of trade routes and water-level regulation on waterways in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA
Unlike most national parks, main access to Voyageurs National Park is by boat. This remote system of interconnected waterways along the USA-Canada border was an important transportation route for thousands of years of American Indian occupation, leading up to and including the trade route of the voyageurs, or French-Canadian fur traders from around 1680 to 1870. The Ojibwe people collaborated withAuthorsVictoria G. Christensen, Andrew E. LaBountyVoyageurs National Park: Water-level regulation and effects on water quality and aquatic biology
Following dam installations in the remote Rainy Lake Basin during the early 1900s, water-level fluctuations were considered extreme (1914–1949) compared to more natural conditions. In 1949, the International Joint Commission (IJC), which sets rules governing dam operation on waters shared by the United States and Canada, established the first rule curves to regulate water levels on these waterbodiAuthorsVictoria G. Christensen, Ryan P. Maki, Jaime F. LeDucLake levels and water quality in comparison to fish mercury body burdens, Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, 2013–15
Within Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, lake levels are controlled by a series of dams to support a variety of uses. Previous research indicates a link between these artificially maintained water levels, referred to as rule curves, and mercury concentrations in fish owing to the drying and rewetting of wetlands and other nearshore areas, which may release methylmercury into the water when inuAuthorsVictoria G. Christensen, James H. Larson, Ryan P. Maki, Mark B. Sandheinrich, Mark E. Brigham, Claire Kissane, Jamie F. LeDucDischarge and nutrient transport between lakes in a hydrologically complex area of Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, 2010-2012
An acoustic Doppler velocity meter (ADVM) was deployed in the narrows between Namakan and Kabetogama Lakes in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, from November 3, 2010, through October 3, 2012. The ADVM can account for wind, seiche, and changing flow direction in hydrologically complex areas. The objectives were to (1) estimate discharge and document the direction of water flow, (2) assess whetherAuthorsVictoria G. Christensen, Eric Wakeman, Ryan P. Maki