Presentation #1: Chinese Mystery Snail Population Dynamics in Loon Lake, Vilas County, Wisconsin
This presentation summarizes eight years of benthic community research on Chinese mystery snails (CMS) in a shallow seepage lake, including research results from 2021. Annual replicate samples were collected with an Eckman dredge at a dozen GPS locations in major plant communities. CMS age classes are based on shell frequencies and opercular regression. Chinese mystery snail fecundity and habitat preferences, as well as density and size correlations with lake elevation and water chemistry will be discussed.
Presenter: Warren Mueller
Presentation #2: Untying the Invasive Knotweed Complex
Invasive knotweeds are spreading in Wisconsin, and pose a significant threat to ecosystems and infrastructure while being very hard to control. These perennials shade out and poison our native plants, while punching holes in roads and promoting erosion. A 2021 study from UW-Whitewater shows that the hybridization of these NR 40 regulated species makes practitioner visual ID uncertain when compared to simple genetic analysis. Professor Nic Tippery will explain his methods and results from his survey. Matt Wallrath will then present best management practices for control and a call for further sampling by regional CISMAS. We will discuss future impactions for understanding spread and seed viability as climate changes, and how this could affect wetland management. Join us as we explore these plants and what genetics is showing us about their spread.
Presenters: Matthew Wallrath & Nic Tippery