Lake Monitor Training

Training is required for new program participants and anyone signing up for a new parameter. It is also beneficial for people looking for a refresher or those curious about how CLMP may help protect their favorite lake.  

2023 training options (All free) (for reference only; 2024 training options will be listed here in the future)

In-person Training, May 5 and 6, 2023.  

In conjunction with the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) 2023 Annual Conference at Crystal Mountain Resort, we offered training on the lake monitoring techniques used in the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP).  CLMP In-Person Training Agenda

Virtual Training Day, May 9, 2023.

This online training was recorded and posted below for later viewing.  CLMP Online Training Agenda

Important: There are two steps to becoming a CLMP lake monitoring volunteer. You can enroll before attending training, but training is required before you begin monitoring your lake:

1. Attend training.

2. Enroll your lake in the CLMP.

CLMP Enrollment Information

2023 Recorded Training Presentations

Welcome and introductions
Secchi Disk Transparency and Phosphorus
Chlorophyll (algae)
Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature
Score the Shore
Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch
Aquatic Plant Mapping
2023 CLMP Midsummer Check-in

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Quick Monitoring Protocols

Secchi Disk Transparency

In the Michigan Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, volunteers take secchi disk measurements to determine the transparency of a lake. This video reminds CLMP volunteers of the steps needed to take a good quality transparency measurement.

Total Phosphorus

In the Michigan Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, volunteers sample total phosphorus to determine the health of a lake. This video reminds CLMP volunteers of the steps needed to take a phosphorus sample and how to turn it in.

Chlorophyll-a

In the Michigan Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, volunteers sample chlorophyll to determine the health of a lake. This video reminds CLMP volunteers of the steps needed to take a chlorophyll water sample and how to filter it.

Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch – Early Detection Monitoring

Invasive aquatic plants can be bad news for your lake, as high densities of these unwanted species can negatively affect fish populations and reduce recreational use. In this short video, staff from the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP) and Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) introduce and describe the Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch (EAPW). This video demonstrates how lake volunteers can identify, monitor, and map four nuisance aquatic plant species. Early detection, with the help of the EAPW, can lead to a rapid response which is critical to preventing or managing invasions in your lake.

 Score the Shore – Lakeshore Habitat Assessment

In the Michigan Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, volunteers conduct habitat assessments of the lake shore. This video goes over the process of how to do the Score the Shore study and gives many examples of issues that volunteers will run into.