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Volunteer Lake Monitors have been an integral part of the
Wisconsin lakes since 1986 and are the core of Wisconsin’s Lakes
Partnership.
 Learn more about your lake,
Collect valuable data,
Watch for long-term changes in lake water quality.
Join over 1,000 volunteers now participating statewide in
water quality monitoring. The Department of Natural
Resources and University of Wisconsin-Extension provides
training and equipment, while citizens volunteer their time and
energy. The assistance and enthusiasm of local volunteers
play an important part in lake monitoring and protection.
How is volunteer monitoring data used? (exit to DNR)
Understanding Lake Data (exit to DNR) Water Clarity Monitoring
Workshop Schedule - available in 2008
Volunteers observe and document lake water quality by
measuring water clarity with a Secchi disk. The 8-inch diameter
black and white disk is lowered into the water on a rope until
it can no longer be seen, then this depth is recorded. You can
track your lake’s clarity over time, and if problems are
detected, action can then be taken.
 Water
Chemistry Monitoring
After a year of water clarity monitoring some volunteers
begin water chemistry monitoring. These citizen monitors sample
four to five times a year for clarity, phosphorus, chlorophyll,
and lake temperature. With this information the trophic state
(overall health) of your lake can be measured more reliably.
Some chemistry monitors also take a dissolved oxygen profile of
their lake. Openings for chemistry monitoring are limited and
depend on the interest of the volunteers and the needs of the
lake.
Aquatic Plant Monitoring
Aquatic plants are another indicator of lake health and are
an essential part of a healthy lake ecosystem. Volunteers are
trained to collect and press their lake’s aquatic plants.
Materials are provided to help identify aquatic plants and to
help the observer map the location and size of plant beds.
Aquatic Invasives Species Monitoring
Workshop Schedule - available in 2008
Eurasian Watermilfoil, Zebra Mussel Watch,
and Purple Loosestrife
These are a few of the invasive species
threatening Wisconsin lakes. Education and early
identification of these non-native aquatic plants are the key to
control. Volunteers learn to identify these invasive species and
are the eyes for water biologists to monitor Wisconsin's 15,081
lakes.
Volunteers can also help stop the spread of invasives species
across the state by becoming involved in the Clean Boats,
Clean Waters program. Volunteers are trained to
organize and conduct watercraft inspections at the boat landings
in their communities. Trained volunteers then educate
boaters on how and where invasive species are most likely to
hitch a ride into water bodies. By performing boat and
trailers checks, distributing informational brochures,
collecting and reporting suspect specimens, volunteers can make
a difference in helping to prevent the spread of invasive
species.
2008 Workshop Schedule
The Institute seminars are designed to stretch the minds of
people. Explore new ideas about lakes and the management
of human use of lakes. The Institute also seeks to develop
networks to share experiences and to encourage participants to
learn from each other. The core curriculum is delivered
every other year.
LoonWatch promotes the preservation, understanding,
and enjoyment of common loons and their aquatic habitats in the
Lake Superior region. LoonWatch distributes
information to lake residents, users, managers, and the general
public about loons, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental
threats.
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