Are you interested in water quality, habitat, and invasive plants on one of Michigan’s inland lakes? If yes, you’re invited to become a volunteer lake monitor for the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP).
For 50 years, CLMP volunteers have collected valuable data on inland lakes statewide. This information is used by individuals, local communities, researchers, and state agencies like EGLE and the DNR to better protect and manage Michigan’s 11,000 inland lakes and the fish and wildlife that rely on them.
This volunteer monitoring opportunity gives you an inside look into what’s happening in your favorite lake. As part of this program, you’ll receive detailed instructions, training, and equipment to collect this valuable data. You choose which lake to sample and which measurements to take. You can collect data on water quality (water clarity, nutrients, dissolved oxygen and algae), invasive species, native plants, and shoreline conditions.
There is a small fee to cover the costs of supplies and analyzing samples, but volunteers often can collaborate with local lake associations or other organizations to help pay for these costs.
Want to begin monitoring a lake near you? Visit the CLMP enrollment webpage for more information or contact Erick Elgin (elgineri@msu.edu) at 218-340-5731 or Jean Roth (jean.roth@mymlsa.org).
