Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

The Future of the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program

Through an agreement with the DNR in 1992, the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, Inc. (ML&SA) began coordinating volunteer lake monitoring programs throughout the State. As of 2003, Secchi depth, chlorophyll-a, and phosphorus data from up to 170 lakes were collected by volunteer monitors in the ML&SA Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program. The Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program is quite similar to the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, but due to the longevity and success of our program, the benefits of localized program administration, and our commitment to and strong relationships with lake associations and riparian owners throughout our service area, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council will continue to coordinate all program activities into the foreseeable future. On the other hand, through participation and collaboration with the recently formed Michigan Clean Water Corps, volunteer monitoring activities coordinated by the Watershed Council will merge to some extent with those occurring throughout the State.

Many beautiful high-quality lakes are being monitored by volunteers throughout the northern Lower Peninsula as a result of the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. Nevertheless, there is always a need for more volunteers to monitor additional lakes and to substitute or replace existing volunteers. Volunteering to be a monitor requires attending a half-day training session and then performing 1-4 hours of monitoring duties on a weekly basis from early June to late August (though some volunteers opt to start in May and continue until September or even October!). If you are interested in volunteering time to help monitor lake water quality, please contact Kevin Cronk, Monitoring and Research Coordinator at (231) 347-1181, extension 109.

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