Topeka shiner survey

The Topeka shiner was listed as federally endangered in 1998 and is the only federally endangered fish in Minnesota. It historically was found in headwater prairie streams throughout the Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri River drainages in the Midwest. Today, the species occurs in highly fragmented populations, occupying only 10 to 20 percent of its former range. In Minnesota, the species is located within the Rock River and Big Sioux-Medary Creek Watersheds.

Monitoring and conservation of this rare species is a cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others. Minnesota's Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is unique in its focus on working with private landowners and other partners to benefit listed species. The goal of the LIP Project for Topeka shiners is to develop a pilot streamshed project to benefit Topeka shiner habitat. LIP eligible habitat enhancement activities may include establishing riparian buffers, restoring in-stream habitat, enhancing off channel habitat, modifying grazing practices, and other options. These activities will complement other fish and wildlife habitat and water quality enhancement activities in southwestern Minnesota.