The Water Quality Monitoring Program
A great deal of data has been gathered over the years regarding water quality in Black Lake. But we, as property owners and visitors, probably don't understand very much of it. And, there are some gaps in the years the data has been collected and it doesn't tell us about the variability in different sections of the lake or different depths or coming from the different tributaries. It also doesn't tell us what is being stored and accumulated on the lake bottom. Finally, when we see changes to nutrient levels, weed growth, algae blooms, and lake bottom texture, we don't know the root causes.
With this program, we plan to expand our understanding of trends and causes and turn that learning into action. This year, we hope to raise $2,000 for this program.
With this program, we plan to expand our understanding of trends and causes and turn that learning into action. This year, we hope to raise $2,000 for this program.
2019 ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2018, we engaged the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council to launch the first ever study of the tributaries that feed Black Lake. Much is known about the Upper Black River, but the other tributaries are relatively unknown in terms of their effect on water quality. Measures of temperature and nutrient content were taken through the summer to learn about whether these rivers are fed primarily by ground water or surface water and to what extent the surface water may be affected by land use factors like farming and golf courses. The report and findings were produced in 2019 and we have begun to map out follow-up actions and additional study to determine root causes of the issues identified. |
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2020 PLANS (funding need is $2,000)
Our top priority in 2020 is to find a willing leader for this program. We have a great deal of follow-up questions and project needs. Our goal is to move toward a model that explains sources of water quality issues (septic, fertilizers, cleansers, aggriculture, golf courses, road crossings), the capacity of offsetting factors (dilution, flushing downstream, zebra mussels/other filter feeders), and projected results (weed growth, algae blooms, changes to lake bottom, changes to lake clarity). From this model, we can effectively map out an effective plan.
We are hoping to raise $2,000 to supplement grant funding to complete payment for this study and to begin to address recommendations. We will also need volunteer assistance with the study and you can let us know of your interest in participating either on Facebook or at our CONTACT page.
Our top priority in 2020 is to find a willing leader for this program. We have a great deal of follow-up questions and project needs. Our goal is to move toward a model that explains sources of water quality issues (septic, fertilizers, cleansers, aggriculture, golf courses, road crossings), the capacity of offsetting factors (dilution, flushing downstream, zebra mussels/other filter feeders), and projected results (weed growth, algae blooms, changes to lake bottom, changes to lake clarity). From this model, we can effectively map out an effective plan.
We are hoping to raise $2,000 to supplement grant funding to complete payment for this study and to begin to address recommendations. We will also need volunteer assistance with the study and you can let us know of your interest in participating either on Facebook or at our CONTACT page.