Celebrating the Year's Key Achievements at the GLA
In the past year, the Green Lake Association has made remarkable strides in our efforts to restore and protect Big Green Lake. Our collaborative efforts have led to significant achievements, including the Skunk Hollow Mine win and implementing research and projects to help reduce phosphorus and prevent aquatic invasive species.
We're incredibly grateful for the support of our community, which has been instrumental in these successes. As we look forward to continuing our work in 2024, we invite you to join us in protecting Green Lake and its watershed. Your contribution will help us maintain our momentum in preserving the health and beauty of Big Green Lake for everyone to enjoy.
Discover our top 20 achievements below and please consider supporting our ongoing efforts. Every donation makes a meaningful impact on the future of our beloved lake. Thank you for your dedication to keeping Big Green Lake a thriving and vibrant ecosystem!
Our Top 20
𝟏. 𝐒𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐤 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧: 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
A year has passed since the GLA rallied alongside the Green Lake Conservancy, the Green Lake Sanitary District, and a neighborhood of concerned citizens led by Ernie Neuenfeldt to challenge the approval granted to Skunk Hollow Mine.
Situated in close proximity to several sensitive springs, the proposed mine would drain to Green Lake’s two primary trout streams and pose a threat to a local neighborhood reliant on well water. Site-specific studies showed that the proposed quarry would compromise the water quality in the areas surrounding Green Lake.
On December 23, despite facing a relentless blizzard, over 100 citizens converged at the Green Lake County courtroom and online to voice their concerns regarding the potentially irreversible harm to these unique natural resources. This collective effort resulted in a significant victory for Green Lake's waterways, specifically benefiting Mitchell Glen, Dakin Creek, White Creek, and Powell Spring.
𝟐. 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐓𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝: 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐨𝐟𝐟
This year marked the installation of a groundbreaking phosphorus filtering project known as the CAPTure™ structure within the Green Lake watershed. The project will intercept phosphorus before it has a chance to compromise the lake’s water quality.
Situated near Roy Creek, one of the eight streams flowing into Green Lake, the cutting-edge phosphorus filter will treat runoff from a 100-acre agricultural field. The structure was retrofitted to an existing agricultural retention pond to intercept additional phosphorus dissolved in stormwater runoff. The pilot project is equipped with water sampling capabilities to measure its effectiveness over the course of several years.
𝟑. 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
One of the best ways to protect Green Lake is to prevent new aquatic invasive species (AIS) from entering—and the new boat wash station installed at Dodge Memorial Park this year is an important improvement to the lake’s defense system. The free boat wash station was staffed for nearly 850 hours in its first year.
Additionally, Clean Boats Clean Waters watercraft inspectors covered all eight of Green Lake’s public boat launches. Watercraft inspectors discovered that Green Lake was exposed to 19 AIS not presently found in Green Lake by boaters traveling from other water bodies.
In the coming years, the GLA and our partners will seek to improve and expand on efforts to protect Green Lake from AIS that permanently harm its ecology.
𝟒. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐲: 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
The annual Conservation Field Day, hosted in collaboration with the Green Lake County Farm Bureau and set this year at Boerson Farm, drew a crowd of over 160 community members. Mat and Danielle Boerson, alongside experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, and The Xerces Society, shared valuable insights on fostering healthy soil, implementing rotational grazing, and preserving land through conservation easements.
To demonstrate how individuals can actively contribute to conservation through their food choices, Chef Dan Solberg made a complimentary lunch featuring beef and vegetables sourced directly from Boerson Farm.
The Boersons' dedication to regenerative agriculture and their commitment to positively impacting our land and water through their farming practices resulted in an enriching and meaningful event.
𝟓. 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬: 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬
Engaging over 55 students and teachers, the GLA orchestrated a series of informative and interactive learning experiences centered around Green Lake. Lake Class contains two parts: a hands-on lake session aboard a donated pontoon boat, led by Dr. Don Bogdanske, and a boots-based exploration along White Creek, guided by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Stream Biologist, Dave Bolha.
This year marked the introduction of the GLA’s first-ever educational Lake Class and curriculum workshop for all 4k-6th grade educators in the Green Lake School District. The Lake Class sessions culminated in a collaborative curriculum workshop, facilitated by seasoned educator and curriculum designer Kathy Biernot. During this workshop, local teachers developed cross-curricular lessons incorporating Green Lake as an educational resource to reach 150 students.
𝟔. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲: 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐲 & 𝐖𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬
The GLA enlisted the expertise of Inter-Fluve to conduct a comprehensive 12-mile survey targeting eroding sections of streambanks along Roy and Wuerches Creeks. Inter-Fluve specializes in streams and rivers, and their team is national experts who are flown across the country for their expertise in restoring them.
The survey successfully identified 46 potential projects for stream and wetland restoration, requiring urgent attention, along with an additional 12 gully projects. These actively eroding sites contribute to phosphorus loading, adversely affecting water quality. The GLA is actively collaborating with partners and landowners to formulate strategies for stream and wetland restoration, riparian buffers, and other conservation practices to carry out the necessary repairs.
𝟕. 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲: 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬
For the second consecutive year, volunteers donned waders and joined forces with the GLA and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a survey along Dakin Creek to identify redds. Redds are nests created by trout for spawning, and the count of these nests serves as an indicator of their reproductive success. Due to drought conditions, the number of nests was lower this year, but an improved habitat better prepared them to handle this environmental stress.
For over 70 years, the native brook trout population in Dakin Creek steadily declined and eventually vanished, primarily due to a perched culvert on Skunk Hollow Road hindering their upstream migration for spawning. Three years ago, the GLA financed a culvert replacement and streambank restoration project to reduce erosion, enhance water quality, and improve stream connectivity.
For two consecutive years, trout nests have been discovered upstream of the culvert replacement in Dakin Creek, showcasing a successful outcome due to ongoing stream restoration efforts.
𝟖. 𝐑𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞: 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Over 85 volunteers canvassed the streets of Green Lake and Ripon to rake leaves out of the street and onto the grassed terrace—all on behalf of Green Lake’s water quality.
The Green Lake Public Works Department participated and led a conversation on stormwater education for a second year. New this year, the GLA expanded the event to Ripon and partnered with the Ripon Public Works Department and City Administrator Adam Sonntag.
Leaves naturally contain phosphorus, the nutrient responsible for Green Lake’s water quality issues. Leaves left on the street slowly leach phosphorus into the storm sewer system, which flows untreated stormwater runoff to local streams and eventually to Green Lake. Keeping them out of the gutter and on the grassed terrace is one easy but important strategy to prevent excessive phosphorus from polluting Green Lake.
𝟗. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐡𝐢 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲
A secchi disk is a weighted, black and white disk that is lowered by hand into the water until it vanishes from sight. The resulting depth serves as a measurement of Green Lake’s water clarity, offering a crucial indicator of its overall water quality.
Thanks to the committed work of volunteers, 96 secchi depth readings were measured on Green Lake this season. This data will be incorporated into a long-term data set used to determine Green Lake’s water quality.
This year’s average water clarity was 12.26 feet, which is deeper than normal—an outcome likely linked to drought conditions resulting in reduced stormwater runoff and phosphorus reaching Green Lake. This positive sign suggests that in years with normal rainfall, the lake will respond favorably to improvements in phosphorus loading.
𝟏𝟎. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡: 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
Salt applied to roads and sidewalks can negatively impact our local waterways for Wisconsin since it only takes 1 teaspoon of salt to pollute 5 gallons of water permanently. Once there, salt elevates the salinity of ecosystems, placing stress on plants and animals adapted to freshwater systems.
Last winter, a dedicated team of 25 volunteers conducted 60 chloride readings at various sites across the Green Lake watershed. The readings revealed five elevated samples in the Green Lake watershed, with one monitoring site exceeding a level toxic to freshwater organisms. Another team of volunteers is actively measuring chloride levels this winter to monitor for salting hotspots where concentrations exceed the EPA's toxicity standards. This monitoring effort will allow us to track chloride trends in our streams due to winter salt application and better inform our future outreach efforts with businesses and salt applicators.
Recognizing the need for responsible salt use, municipalities statewide are adopting measures such as enhancing mechanical removal, prioritizing application calibration, and employing precision application techniques. The GLA organized a salt truck calibration workshop to support these efforts, engaging maintenance professionals from Green Lake County and three townships within the watershed.
𝟏𝟏. 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
The Green Lake Association joined forces with The Water Council to release a Request for Information (RFI) to find unique solutions addressing Green Lake’s phosphorus challenge. This collaborative effort broadened our scope and granted access to a global network of innovative freshwater solution providers.
More than 20 companies, research institutions, and professionals submitted applications in response to the RFI. The GLA is currently enlisting experts to evaluate the technological merits of proposed solutions, encompassing sediment inactivation, phosphorus interception, and wetland restoration, among others.
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𝟏𝟐. 𝐞𝐃𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
In our ongoing effort to protect Green Lake from the impact of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), we introduced this new and exciting AIS detection technology which uses eDNA, the genetic material released by organisms, to identify potential threats swiftly. AIS, species not native to our lake, can proliferate rapidly without natural predators, posing significant ecological threats.
We collected 150 water samples from all parts of Big Green Lake, the Silver Creek Estuary, County Highway K Marsh, Big and Little Twin Lakes, and Spring Lake to look for new AIS. We were pleased to find that this effort identified no new species in any of these waterbodies.
𝟏𝟒. 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
The GLA equipped farmers to plant over 800 acres of cover crops since its acquisition of specialized equipment last year. This agricultural management practice creates a protective blanket of a dense root structure to prevent bare soil, reduce erosion, and decrease phosphorus runoff — one source of phosphorus loading to Green Lake.
The GLA is also a proud sponsor of Pollack-Vu Dairy’s participation in the Upper Fox-Wolf Demonstration Farm Network. Since Chris’ participation in the demo farm, he has implemented no-till practices, grazed steers, and interseeded cover crops.
These types of efforts are important in the long-term protection of Green Lake, since 65% of the watershed is agricultural. We are grateful for our partnership with the Green Lake County Land Conservation Department, who manages use and maintenance of the equipment; the Green Lake Sanitary District, who provides additional funding for cover crop seed; and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, who manages the demo farm network.
𝟏𝟓. 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 & 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞
As a key input for an updated Green Lake Management Plan, this year the GLA oversaw the successful completion of four key aquatic plant and shoreline surveys. Together, these surveys help describe the health of the lake’s ecosystem.
The four surveys completed included:
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Identification and mapping of native and invasive aquatic plant growth throughout Green Lake, the City Millpond, Silver Creek Estuary, the County Highway K Marsh, and Beyers Cove.
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Mapping of floating and emergent plant species, such as water lilies and bulrush.
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Assessment of Green Lake's shoreline, considering more than 20 environmental parameters, including canopy cover and bank erosion.
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A shoreline modification survey to evaluate the presence of physical structures like rock armoring, sea walls, boathouses, and other outbuildings.
These endeavors establish a solid foundation for informed decision-making in the protection of Green Lake’s aquatic health. The data collected from these surveys will play a crucial role in lake planning, and you can anticipate the release of results in the near future.
We are grateful to GLA members, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Green Lake Sanitary District who provided funds to make this work possible.
𝟏𝟔. 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞-𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐠𝐚𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡
During summer months, the GLA harnessed the advanced capabilities of BloomOptix technology to rapidly detect blue-green algae populations on Green Lake. The GLA collected and analyzed over 70 lake samples for harmful blue-green algae blooms utilizing a specialized microscope. This innovative testing method eliminates the delays associated with traditional lab processing, reducing the time for potential harmful algal bloom detection from weeks to minutes.
Notably, this year's monitoring revealed no presence of blue-green algae, signaling a positive outcome for the lake.
In the event of a blue-green algae bloom detection, the GLA follows a comprehensive sampling protocol to assess toxin levels associated with potential harmful algal blooms. This critical data is promptly shared with the Green Lake County Health Department, informing any necessary beach advisories or closures — which the GLA broadly shares.
Additionally, the ongoing sampling program aids in establishing a baseline for blue-green algae communities, serving as an indicator for monitoring changes in lake health over time.
𝟏7. 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬
The GLA sponsored the installation of three new US Geological Survey stream samplers strategically positioned throughout the watershed: Roy Creek, Wuerches Creek, and the Puchyan River.
This approach facilitates the collection of real-time data and water quality samples. This is particularly crucial during rain storms, as this marks the peak period when runoff enters Green Lake. Collected samples are sent to a water quality lab to be tested for various parameters, including sediment and phosphorus — the main pollutant harming Green Lake’s water quality.
The objective of this initiative is to enhance our understanding of the watershed, to identify priority areas for intervention, and to quantify the effectiveness of those initiatives. This information is essential for developing effective strategies to reduce phosphorus levels in Green Lake and to safeguard its water quality.
𝟏8. 𝐆𝐋𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐀 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Over the past year, members of the GLA staff engaged in numerous professional development opportunities. These experiences took us across various states, immersing us in conferences and training sessions, such as the North American Lake Management Society Conference in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Conference in Stevens Point, a Phosphorus Conference in Madison, The Watershed Game training and Water Leaders Summit in Milwaukee, and the Healthy Lakes Conference by Lake Country Clean Waters, where CEO Stephanie Prellwitz was invited as its keynote speaker.
The staff also benefited from a series of Lunch & Learn sessions facilitated by Bill Miner, a former board member with extensive expertise in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Hazardous Waste Program. During these sessions, Miner shared invaluable insights into the laws and regulations guiding our water quality work.
In addition to these educational experiences, our staff actively participated in various speaking events, reaching out to more than 440 community members. Through these engagements, we were able to share important insights into water quality challenges and highlight the impactful work undertaken by the GLA.
19. 𝐃𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐀 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞
Little is known about the potential impact of phosphorus entering Green Lake in the form of duckweed floating from the Silver Creek Estuary. This year, the GLA provided the local cost-share for the US Geological Survey to install a novel duckweed camera under the bridge at County Highway A. The pilot project will attempt to use video images and other measurements to calculate total phosphorus loading from duckweed — an important indicator in determining potential next steps to address impacts from the world’s fastest growing aquatic plant.
Simultaneously, the US Geological Survey gathered 120 duckweed samples for phosphorus content analysis. Following the examination of video data and data processing, the US Geological Survey will present its findings in an upcoming report in future years.
Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting this endeavor by maintaining the cleanliness of the duckweed camera. Individuals interested in contributing to this project can reach out to Taylor Haag, Watershed Engagement Manager, at taylor@greenlakeassociation.org.
20. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚
This year we initiated a stream monitoring program near Dakin Creek to collect baseline data to understand the health of the springs and streams in this region of the watershed.
During the Skunk Hollow Mine appeal, we identified a data gap that lacked historic monitoring of Powell Spring and other nearby water resources. The GLA collected 28 water samples to measure key water quality indicators — like temperature, flow rate, pH, dissolved oxygen, and macroinvertebrates — to gain insights on the current state of these iconic water bodies.
Thriving streams are a key contributor to a healthy lake ecosystem. This stream monitoring program is a part of our ongoing efforts to ensure a thriving, resilient Green Lake and watershed system.