In the words of DNR Secretary
George Meyer, "Citizen participation is essential to the management and
protection of Wisconsin’s 15,000 inland lakes. Over 700 of these lakes are
being monitored by nearly 400 Self-Help Lake Monitoring volunteers. These
volunteers donate their time and effort to the collection of essential water
quality data that helps them better understand their own lake and aids in the
management of Wisconsin’s lake resources statewide. Self-Help volunteers are
truly environmental stewards.”
By lowering a secchi disc (a 12 inch black and white disc) into the water at DNR
designated locations on the lake, volunteers are able to read water clarity.
They normally test their assigned lake every two weeks during the summer months
and forward their test results to DNR Hqs at Madison, WI. In turn, DNR compiles
the data and sends a report to each individual on an annual basis. This report
reveals the Trophic State Index (TSI) for each body of water - that TSI number
tells the age and condition of the lake systems. The Chetek lakes consistently
register in the 50 - 73 point range, classifying them as extremely senior or
hyper eutrophic. In the case of Prairie Lake, chemical testing also takes place
each summer month to determine chlorophyl content and phosphorous loading. Over
a period of years, results of these tests will depict the amount of nutrients in
the water and overall health of the lake.
This summer
(August 2002) we have installed new informational sign boards at the 16 boat ramps on the
Chetek chain. We maintain these boards through out the year. The work
was done by the Wisconsin Conservation Corp and the CLPA paid for the material.
The plywood is a special grade and should last a a number of years.
Lamperts Lumber donated $104 towards the project. Next time you're on the water look for them as they are
bright green and very visible.
In the words of DNR Secretary
George Meyer, "Citizen participation is essential to the management and
protection of Wisconsin’s 15,000 inland lakes. Over 700 of these lakes are
being monitored by nearly 400 Self-Help Lake Monitoring volunteers. These
volunteers donate their time and effort to the collection of essential water
quality data that helps them better understand their own lake and aids in the
management of Wisconsin’s lake resources statewide. Self-Help volunteers are
truly environmental stewards.”
By lowering a secchi disc (a 12 inch black and white disc) into the water at DNR
designated locations on the lake, volunteers are able to read water clarity.
They normally test their assigned lake every two weeks during the summer months
and forward their test results to DNR Hqs at Madison, WI. In turn, DNR compiles
the data and sends a report to each individual on an annual basis. This report
reveals the Trophic State Index (TSI) for each body of water - that TSI number
tells the age and condition of the lake systems. The Chetek lakes consistently
register in the 50 - 73 point range, classifying them as extremely senior or
hyper eutrophic. In the case of Prairie Lake, chemical testing also takes place
each summer month to determine chlorophyl content and phosphorous loading. Over
a period of years, results of these tests will depict the amount of nutrients in
the water and overall health of the lake.
This summer
(August 2002) we have installed new informational sign boards at the 16 boat ramps on the
Chetek chain. We maintain these boards through out the year. The work
was done by the Wisconsin Conservation Corp and the CLPA paid for the material.
The plywood is a special grade and should last a a number of years.
Lamperts Lumber donated $104 towards the project. Next time you're on the water look for them as they are
bright green and very visible.