Caring for our lakes - down to a science.
North Water Ecology provides applied freshwater ecology and aquatic invasive species consulting focused on practical management solutions for lakes and aquatic resources. Our services integrate field investigation, management planning, mapping, and technical support to help clients make evidence-based management decisions.
Core Service Areas
Delineation Surveys
Point-Intercept Surveys
A point intercept survey is a standardized, quantitative sampling method used to measure and monitor vegetation cover, species diversity, and habitat conditions over time. It is widely used in both terrestrial ecology and aquatic biology (such as lake vegetation mapping) to gather highly precise, repeatable data.
North Water Ecology provides consulting services in areas including:
Aquatic invasive plant delineation and vegetation surveys
Snorkel surveys for invasive species
AIS monitoring, management planning, and response support
Integrated pest management (IPM) plans
Feasibility studies
Watercraft inspection planning and implementation
Long-term lake and invasive species management planning
GIS mapping and management-support data products
Grant development and technical project support
The North Water Ecologist
Andrew Dickhart is a freshwater ecologist and aquatic invasive species professional with over 10 years of experience leading and implementing aquatic invasive species prevention, monitoring, and management programs in Minnesota. Through his role as an AIS County Coordinator, Andrew has developed and managed programs spanning prevention, early detection and rapid response, aquatic invasive plant management, watercraft inspection operations, and long-term management planning.
In addition to program implementation and consulting work, Andrew contributes to broader invasive species management and policy through service on the Minnesota DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee and the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Committee, and has prior watershed management experience with the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization.