Carp Upset the Balance of Lakes

Common carp are a key cause of poor water quality in the Six Mile chain. Carp decrease water clarity and quality by stirring up lake bottoms and removing vegetation while feeding, thus upsetting the delicate balance of lakes. 

  

• Common carp are one of the most damaging aquatic invasive species due to its wide distribution and severe impacts in shallow lakes and wetlands

• Their feeding disrupts shallowly rooted plants muddying the water 

• They release phosphorus that increases algae abundance 

• Carp induced declines in water quality causes declines of aquatic plants needed by waterfowl and fish 

 

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the University of Minnesota have completed a multi-year assessment to determine the abundance of common carp, how these carp move within and between lakes, and to identify the sources of young carp.  As a result of this study, the MCWD has taken a number of steps to reduce carp.  To learn more about this study and the planned and completed actions, click on the links below:

• Six Mile Creek carp project annual report - through Feb 2014

• Six Mile Creek carp project annual report - through Feb 2016

• Six Mile Creek carp project final report

• Carp  Location Map - Winter 2014-16

• U of M's Minnesota Six Mile project page with resources​

• MCWD's Six Mile Creek Halsted Bay Restoration

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