Document Type
Article
Abstract
Wild rice (mannoomin; Zizania palustris) is an aquatic grain that grows in slow-moving rivers and shallow bays throughout northern Minnesota. In Headquarters Bay on Leech Lake, wild rice has served as a cultural staple for Indigenous communities for centuries. However, its population has declined in recent years due to multiple environmental issues. One potential contributor is Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum; EWM), an invasive species that forms dense mats capable of outcompeting native aquatic vegetation, including wild rice. EWM was first recorded on the southern shoreline of Leech Lake in 2005 and has since become widespread. This study aimed to determine whether wild rice has declined and identify the factors influencing its persistence. Vegetation surveys were conducted at 293 sites, of which 93 supported wild rice in 2005. At each site, aquatic plants were sampled using a rake, identified, and related to lake depth. Logistic regression analyses revealed that wild rice survival is significantly influenced by proximity to EWM (P < 0.01), historical bed strength (P = 0.03), and distance from the main channel (P < 0.01). These results provide evidence to suggest wild rice decline is not sustainable and is affected by these factors. Future management should prioritize their efforts on invasive species management and habitat preservation. Continued monitoring and collaboration with the Leech Lake DRM will be essential for protecting wild rice beds, not only as ecological assets but also to protect the Indigenous cultural heritage of the land and water.
Publication Date
2025
Recommended Citation
Sisneros-Martinez, Seth, "Modeling Wild Rice Bed Health: A Dual Metric Approach for Bed Strength and Invasive Impact" (2025). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 85.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/85
Included in
Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, Biology Commons, Biosecurity Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Food Security Commons, Food Studies Commons, Indigenous Studies Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Native American Studies Commons, Natural Resource Economics Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Other Food Science Commons, Other Plant Sciences Commons, Sustainability Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Comments
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program