Aquatic invertebrates and vegetation and water-quality of Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota: 2013-2014

During 2013 and 2014 aquatic invertebrates were collected and vegetation was inventoried from sample locations distributed throughout Pool 10 and West Pool of Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge. Invertebrate sampling was conducted using aquatic activity traps and by collecting organisms from submersed vegetation. Vegetation was inventoried through a combination of visual observation and collection using the rake method. In conjunction with the invertebrate and vegetation sampling, water depth was recorded and the following water-quality parameters were collected using a multi-parameter Sonde: dissolved oxygen, oxidation-reduction potential, pH, specific conductance, water temperature, and turbidity. For the aquatic invertebrates, the database includes taxonomic identification, number, and mass for each sample (activity trap). Vegetation variables for each subsampling area include taxonomic identification, an overall and species-specific visual density rating, and a density rating for the rake samples. Presence of non-common species also is included. Data were collected to provide baselines and comparisons to inform refuge management decisions.