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Fall turnover samples should be collected just prior to ice cover, this will
vary depending on lake size, depth, and location in the state. Mid-November
sampling should be adequate for most lakes. This timing assures that the maximum
amount of fall circulation has occurred and the samples are representative of
the lake going into winter conditions.
Lake Sample
Collection
Spring turnover sampling should be
conducted approximately two weeks after ice cover leaves the lakes. This timing
allows for spring circulation and mixing to occur, yet should be prior to
significant warming of surface water and lake stratification.
Two bottles will be sent for each site, one has been acidified with a preservative, it is the small bottle. Sampling instructions and information form (to fill out and return) will be provided.
Samples should be collected from a mid-lake location.
Allow the boat to drift slowly forward and insert the larger unpreserved bottle
one foot into the water with the mouth of the bottle pointed toward the bow of
the boat.
Rinse the bottle twice, then fill it and pour the contents into the
small acidified bottle (do not rinse the acidified bottle or the preservative
will be lost).
Refill the large bottle, and screw caps on tightly.
Samples
should be kept on ice and out of direct sunlight prior to shipping. Place
samples in insulated shipping container along with a frozen bottle of water and send to WEAL as soon as possible.
Carrier used for sending samples will vary, depending on what is available locally. UPS, U.S. Mail, or Spee Dee are all possible and have good connections with Stevens Point.