A Survey that Established a Baseline Population Data Set for Odonata Species in Jay Cooke State Park, Carlton County, Minnesota

Abstract

In an effort to create a baseline population data set of Odonata in Jay Cooke State park a survey was conducted from May 29, 2013 to September 26, 2013 by using hand-netting techniques, in the field identification on live specimens, as well as proper treatment, storage and documentation of caught specimens. The purpose of this survey was to create an online accessible data set that can be used in the future for research on topics such as climate change, watershed health and other ecological issues being that Odonata are bio-indicators of ecosystem health due to their obligate aquatic nymph forms. Only 3 adult males were collected of each species found to ensure no damage to future populations. Contrasted to population data previously reported there were 11 species added from the 2013 survey to the list of documented species found in Carlton County. These newly documented 11 species were part of the 35 different species caught from a total of 67 specimens collected.