Surveys
Surveys
Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois
Prior to managing invasive species, understanding their distribution and prevalence is necessary to design an appropriate management plan. Cason Land & Water Management, LLC conducts point-intercept and aquatic invasive species surveys to identify all invasives within your water body. These surveys are used to develop maps and management recommendations specific to your lake and your budget.
Aquatic Plant Surveys
If you need information on your lake’s aquatic plant community as part of a weed harvesting program, herbicide treatment program, exotic plant monitoring program, or simply to assess the ecological health of your lake, Cason Land & Water Management, LLC has the tools and expertise to help you manage your aquatic plants. We conduct surveys throughout Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.
Point-Intercept Surveys
We use the reproducible point-intercept survey method developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to map and monitor aquatic plant communities. These surveys provide statistical data to document and assess changes in plant communities, including the number of species present, species abundance, species percent frequencies, plant growth depths, floristic quality, and much more. The data collected from these surveys can be readily compared to other lakes and is regularly used to assess long-term management impacts.
Aquatic Invasive Species Survey
To manage aquatic invasive species, a different type of survey is required. Aquatic invasive species surveys cover the entire littoral zone of a lake and rely on visual searches, side and down imaging sonar, and rake throws to locate and identify any aquatic invasive species in your lake.
Once located, the species are identified and mapped using a precise GPS. We then create in-depth, highly accurate distribution maps using ArcGIS. These maps, and the data collected during the survey, are essential for targeted management activities.
Emergent Plant Surveys
If your goal is to manage white water-lily, spatterdock, phragmites, cattails, pickerelweed, and/or other emergent plant species, we offer emergent plant surveys. The biology and morphology of these species do not allow them to be accurately represented in point-intercept plant surveys, designed by the WDNR. To accurately understand emergent plant communities, a specialized survey is necessary. These surveys map the location and size of all emergent plant species and are used to guide planting, harvesting, invasive species control planning, and fish and wildlife habitat. We conduct quality emergent plant surveys for clients across Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.
