MLMP - Results for the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area 1994-2002

Map of Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area

The Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area is located in the East-Central part of Minnesota, and has had 98 to 109 lakes surveyed per year between 1994 and 2002. Statistical analysis is ongoing, and has been completed through 2001.

In Summary:

  • Loon abundance in the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area ranged from 1.6 - 2.5 adult loons per 100 acres of lake between 1994-2001 (Fig. 1).
  • There are no statistically significant changes in occupancy within the six index areas. Occupancy (likelihood of seeing a loon on a lake) was calculated as 70% - 77% in the Aitkin/Crow Wing index area (Fig. 2), roughly the 3rd highest Index area, after the Itasca and Becker Index Areas.
  • Reproductive success was calculated as 0.34 - 0.51 juveniles per 2 adult loons in the Aitkin/Crow Wing index area (Fig. 3).
  • During the study period, the Kandiyohi and Otter Tail index areas were the only Index Areas to exhibit statistically significant increases in goose abundance. Adult goose abundance per 100 acres of lake in the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area varied between 0 and 0.94 between 1994-2001 (Fig. 4).
Graph of Loon Abundance
Figure 1. LOON ABUNDANCE - Adult loons seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area.
Graph of Loon Occupancy
Figure 2. LOON OCCUPANCY - Percent of lakes in the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area with any adult loons.
Graph of Loon Reproductive Success
Figure 3. LOON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS - Juvenile loons for every two adult loons on a lake within the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area.
Graph of Goose Abundance
Figure 4. GOOSE ABUNDANCE - Adult geese seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area.

 

Table 1. Total number of loons, juvenile loons, geese, and juvenile geese observed in 1994 - 2002 in the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area
YearTotal Adult LoonsTotal Juvenile LoonsLakes with Adult LoonsLakes with Juvenile LoonsTotal Adult Canada GeeseTotal Juvenile Canada GeeseTotal # of Lakes Surveyed
19941913667190098
19952605872312426107
19962614373235251107
19972625282364454106
19982934781272526105
19993065084284842107
20002776181336535108
20012945084294955108
20023067883337288109

 


We extend our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of volunteer observers who continue to make the MLMP a success. Without your persistence and hard work, the DNR would be without a means of reporting on the health of our state bird. We and Minnesota's loons appreciate your commitment!

We acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Douglas Hawkins, University of Minnesota, for statistical analysis, and Eric Hanson for the initial design and implementation of the MLMP.


Contact Information for the Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area

Pam Perry, Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Area Coordinator
Minnesota DNR, Nongame Wildlife Program
1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401
Phone: 218/828-2228
E-mail: [email protected]

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