MLMP - Results for the Becker Index Area 1994-2002

Map of Becker Index Area

The Becker Index Area is located in the West-Central part of Minnesota, and has had 93 to 101 lakes surveyed per year between 1994 and 2002. Statistical analysis is ongoing, and has been completed through 2001.

In Summary:

  • Loon abundance in the Becker Index Area ranged from 1.4 - 2.4 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 62% - 84% in the Becker Index Area (Fig. 2), roughly the 2nd highest Index area, after the Itasca Index Area.
  • Reproductive success was calculated as 0.38 - 0.70 juveniles per 2 adult loons in the Becker 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 Becker Index Area varied between 0 and 1.3 between 1994-2001 (Fig. 4).
Graph of Loon Abundance
Figure 1. LOON ABUNDANCE - Adult loons seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Becker Index Area.
Graph of Loon Occupancy
Figure 2. LOON OCCUPANCY - Percent of lakes in the Becker 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 Becker Index Area.
Graph of Goose Abundance
Figure 4. GOOSE ABUNDANCE - Adult geese seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Becker Index Area.

 

Table 1. Total number of loons, juvenile loons, geese, and juvenile geese observed in 1994 - 2002 in the Becker Index Area
YearTotal Adult LoonsTotal Juvenile LoonsLakes with Adult LoonsLakes with Juvenile LoonsTotal Adult Canada GeeseTotal Juvenile Canada GeeseTotal # of Lakes Surveyed
19941414155240093
19951745371362404095
1996245757137148282100
1997290627932106145101
19982895279273323899
199930764803216013696
200028757682620617894
20012806675359214094
200229954742911326096

 


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 Becker Index Area

Katie Haws, Becker Index Area Coordinator
Minnesota DNR, Nongame Wildlife Program
2115 Birchmont Beach Road
Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218/755-2976
E-mail: [email protected]

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