The State has also applied for a permit for an inbasin outlet from Devils Lake to Stump Lake. Impact on Manitoba Economy Reduction of fishery yields in Manitoba as a consequence of interbasin transfer have long been predicted by biologists. Consequences of the transfer of biota between basins cannot be accurately predicted with the present level of our knowledge. But there are many precedents world over that argue against indiscriminate introductions of species into new areas. Among the harmful effect of introductions are competition of the invaders with native species and introduction of new parasites, new diseases or new, more efficient predators.
Economic losses can be staggering.
Among the effects of concern are increases in dissolved salts, suspended sediments, nutrients, trace elements and pesticides. Here is a review of water quality issues in Red River Basin posted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency . Because of the minimal effect of an outlet on Devils Lake water levels, flood protection works need to be constructed in any case. The U.S. Geological Survey provides flooding history and forecasts for the Devils Lake on a Web site. All calculations show that the lake levels are most likely to decline .