Water
Quality
In the words of the past 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.
In the summer of 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.
