The Otter Tail Index Area is located in the West-Central part of Minnesota, and has had 95 to 116 lakes surveyed per year between 1994 and 2002. Statistical analysis is ongoing, and has been completed through 2001.
In Summary:
- Loon abundance in the Otter Tail Index Area ranged from 1.2 - 1.8 adult loons per 100 acres of lake between 1994-2001 (Fig. 1).
- There are no statistically significant changes in occupancy within the six index areas. Occupancy (likelihood of seeing a loon on a lake) was calculated as 42% - 69% in the Otter Tail Index Area (Fig. 2), roughly the 4th highest Index area, after the Itasca, Becker, and Aitkin/Crow Wing Index Areas
- Reproductive success was calculated as 0.38 - 0.64 juveniles per 2 adult loons in the Otter Tail Index Area (Fig. 3).
- During the study period, the Kandiyohi and Otter Tail index areas were the only Index Areas to exhibit statistically significant increases in goose abundance. Adult goose abundance per 100 acres of lake in the Otter Tail Index Area varied between 1 and 4.9 between 1994-2001 (Fig. 4).
 Figure 1. LOON ABUNDANCE - Adult loons seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Otter Tail Index Area. |
 Figure 2. LOON OCCUPANCY - Percent of lakes in the Otter Tail Index Area with any adult loons. |
 Figure 3. LOON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS - Juvenile loons for every two adult loons on a lake within the Otter Tail Index Area. |
 Figure 4. GOOSE ABUNDANCE - Adult geese seen per 100 acres of lake surface within the Otter Tail Index Area. |
| Year | Total Adult Loons | Total Juvenile Loons | Lakes with Adult Loons | Lakes with Juvenile Loons | Total Adult Canada Geese | Total Juvenile Canada Geese | Total # of Lakes Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 94 | 21 | 49 | 16 | 81 | 0 | 102 |
| 1995 | 186 | 58 | 68 | 34 | 117 | 173 | 116 |
| 1996 | 226 | 65 | 72 | 32 | 82 | 261 | 106 |
| 1997 | 167 | 31 | 67 | 19 | 119 | 232 | 95 |
| 1998 | 210 | 42 | 60 | 19 | 421 | 290 | 105 |
| 1999 | 219 | 42 | 65 | 20 | 576 | 293 | 106 |
| 2000 | 181 | 38 | 68 | 26 | 286 | 434 | 109 |
| 2001 | 203 | 32 | 63 | 20 | 257 | 597 | 107 |
| 2002 | 170 | 51 | 64 | 29 | 323 | 456 | 107 |
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of volunteer observers who continue to make the MLMP a success. Without your persistence and hard work, the DNR would be without a means of reporting on the health of our state bird. We and Minnesota's loons appreciate your commitment!
We acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Douglas Hawkins, University of Minnesota, for statistical analysis, and Eric Hanson for the initial design and implementation of the MLMP.
Contact Information for the Otter Tail Index Area
Katie Haws, Otter Tail Index Area Coordinator
Minnesota DNR, Nongame Wildlife Program
2115 Birchmont Beach Road
Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218/755-2976
E-mail: [email protected]