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noted earlier in this document, aquatic vegetation, invertebrate and water quality monitoring (e.g., dissolved oxygen, clarity, salinity) will be conducted by Refuge staffand volunteers. Monitoring not only providescritical information regarding the health of Round Lake, it providesinformation regardingthe condition and abundance of waterfowl foods. Information obtained by sampling aquatic vegetation and invertebrateswill be used to track the results of water level management activities. We expect to conduct vegetation surveys at intervals ranging from 1 –5 years, depending on water level management activitiesor natural climatic events, such as droughts.Regular monitoring and sampling of aquatic invertebrates, including those residing in the substrate, also isnecessary becausethey provide an additional source of waterfowl foods. Habitat monitoring in the uplands alsoisimportant. The ability of a habitat to support wildlife is dependent on the species composition and structure of the habitat. Surveys to identify thesecomponents, aswell asthe presence of invasive species,will be performed. The monitoring results will enable refuge staff to identify what management actions are necessary and appropriate. Wildlife monitoring will include surveys relating to eagle nest success, bird migration, invasive species, amphibians,and reptiles. Surveys specifically targeted for listed state or federal species, such as Blanding’sturtles, as well as general wildlife use will be conducted as needed.As with other Refuge waterbodies, fish surveys will be conducted on a 3 –5 year cycle. Fish surveys provide information regarding habitat management and also support the Refuge fishing program, and potentially,the MNDNR FIN program. Following the remediation of TCAAP-sourcecontamination in Round Lake, we expect that there will be additional monitoring of natural resources in the larger environment within which the Round Lake Unit is located.While we do not anticipate being the lead agency for such landscape level natural resource monitoring, we will be actively involved as a natural resource partner in that monitoring as well. Epilogue The future value of the Round Lake Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge for wildlife conservation and its use by othersfor wildlife-dependent recreation depends upon the level of clean-up attained via the Superfund remediation project. The Service presumes that the current ecological risk posed to the Round Lake ecosystem will be mitigated via the actions of the Superfund remediation project in such a manner that enable this vision to be fulfilled. 8/6/2013 18 USFWS RLMP