Kenogama Lake
| Kenogama Lake | |
|---|---|
Kenogama Lake | |
| Location | Itasca County, Minnesota |
| Coordinates | 47°29′37″N 94°21′50″W / 47.49361°N 94.36389°W |
| Type | Lake |
| Surface area | 486 acres (197 ha) |
| Max. depth | 10 feet (3.0 m)[1] |
Kenogama Lake is a lake in Itasca County, in the U.S. state of Minnesota.[2][3] The lake stands to the east of Pennington, north-west of Lake Winnibigoshish.[4]
It is a shallow forest lake which has historically been significant for migrating diving duck species, in particular Lesser Scaup ducks, but there is evidence that their numbers may be declining. Lesser Scaup were notably present in the autumns of the early 1990s, which led to an increase in pressure for duck hunting, however, the duck numbers appeared to have declined by the time of a 2007 study.[5]
The lake has been a walleye fry rearing site since 1983, with implications for the lake's wildlife. Lake Kenogama has a clear water profile, with abundant submerged microphytes, compared to more turbid conditions and a sparse microphyte population in other lakes in the area. In 2007 the lake was subject to a two year, two reports, review by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The study showed that some of the potential causes for reduced duck habitat include shifts in migration patterns, weather changes, and decline in key food resources such as aquatic invertebrates. Monitoring in 2007–2008 showed abundant fish, primarily golden shiners and walleyes, in 2007. However, adult walleyes were absent in 2008, likely due to hypoxia and consequent winterkill; macroinvertebrates were sparse, and zooplankton were dominated by small taxa, speculated to be reduced by fish predation. In 2008 the water quality appeared to exhibit some signs of moving to a more turbid state. The two year summary report stated that further monitoring of the lake would take place from 2008 onwards.[6]
The lake has been deemed by the DNR to have a Sensitive Lakeshore and a Sensitive Shoreland, a marker for places that contain a unique or critical ecological habitat. Much of the lakeshore, excluding a section on the eastern side, has a sensitivity index of 6, the highest level.[7] Nest boxes for birds were installed around the lake in 2007 as part of a conservation project.[8]
The Kenogama Trail is a 14.6-mile (23.5 km) trail that encircles the lake. It is open from October through June.[9]
See also
References
- ^ "DNR seeks comment on waterfowl lake". The Bemidji Pioneer. May 3, 2013. p. 6. Retrieved February 18, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
The 486-acre lake has a maximum depth of less than 10 feet
- ^ "Kenogama Lake". Outdoor Minnesota Fishing Reports - Hunting Forum - Ice Fishing. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
- ^ Upper Mississippi River Headwaters, Bemidji to St. Paul, Integrated Reservoir Operating Plan Evaluation: Environmental Impact Statement. 2009.
- ^ "Lake Kenogama Fishing Map | Nautical Charts App". www.gpsnauticalcharts.com. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
- ^ Hanson, Mark A.; Folkers, Andrew; Rude, Neil; Novak, Paul; Cloutman, Donald (September 3, 2008). "Assessing characteristics of Kenogama Lake, a shallow waterfowl lake in Northern Minnesota: Preliminary findings" (PDF). 2007 summaries of wildlife research findings. St. Paul MN: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: 487-503. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 13, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ Hanson, Mark A.; Folkers, Andrew; Rude, Neil; Cloutman, Donald (August 3, 2009). "Assessing characteristics of Kenogama Lake, a shallow waterfowl lake in Northern Minnesota: Two year summary" (PDF). 2008 summaries of wildlife research findings. St. Paul MN: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: 169-192. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 16, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ "Kenogama Lake, DOW 31-0928-00, Itasca County (Sensitive Lakeshore Maps Using Rapid Assessment Model)" (PDF). St. Paul MN: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. July 15, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 11, 2024.
- ^ "Minnesota's Habitat Conservation Partnership: Work program" (PDF). August 31, 2009. p. 66. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ "Kenogama Trail". alltrails.com. November 9, 2014. Archived from the original on November 9, 2014. Retrieved February 18, 2026.