Learn the latest about leaping carp

A Bighead carp found in the St. Croix River near Prescott in April 2011 (Minnesota DNR).

The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is offering presentations on Saturday, January 21 about the threats posed by invasive Asian carp, as well as efforts underway to control their spread in the St. Croix River.

The Park Service’s press release has the details:

Join National Park Service Biologist Byron Karns as he provides the latest information related to the movement of Asian Carp into local waters. “Asian Carp: Responding to a Problem Leaping our Way” will be presented on Saturday, January 21, at the St. Croix River Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

Byron will provide background information on the four species of fish known collectively as Asian Carp – Grass, Black, Bighead and Silver. Though the last two species have been captured in very small numbers for several years, recent monitoring efforts appear to have detected Silver Carp in the St. Croix River and the Mississippi in the Twin Cities. In addition to highlighting species biology and the ecological consequences of the introduction of Asian Carp, Byron will address the ongoing actions of a Task Force focused on slowing or stopping these fish from spreading.

Byron will present at 10:00 a.m. and then repeat his talk at 1:00 p.m. Presentations are free and open to the public and take place at the St. Croix River Visitor Center, 401 North Hamilton Street, in St. Croix Falls.

Reservations are strongly encouraged due to limited seating. To reserve a seat, call (715) 483-2274. Callers can reserve up to 4 seats.

This presentation is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Speaker Series, an annual offering of programs focused on the St. Croix Valley’s national park. The Speaker Series is generously supported by the St. Croix River Fund.

Learn about the Park’s Asian Carp Action Plan.