EPA 910/B-95-007
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Region 10
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle WA 98101
Alaska
Idaho
Oregon
Washington
Water Division
February 1996
Lake walk Manual
A Guidebook for
Citizen Participation
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EPA Region 10 thanks Cassandra Robertson for «•&.
her enthusiasm and commitment in producing
Lakewalk. all the reviewers for their comments.
Bob Reiner for design and layout, and to Michete
Wtckhamfor illustrations.
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Introduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
is committed to helping landowners, farmers.
and the general public learn more about the
functions and benefits of lakes. Involvement of
the public is critical for protecting and restoring
threatened or Impaired lakes. For these reasons
we are inviting your participation In the Lakewalk
Program.
Lakewalk gives citizens the opportunity to learn
about lakes and collect observed information and
data. This puts the power in the hands of the
citizens to act on what they learn. Lakewalk is a
companion program to the successful
Streamwalk and Wetfand Walk programs.
Our objectives in developing Lakewalk are to:
o educate people about the relationship
between lakes and watersheds
o encourage citizens to actively protect and
restore their lakes
o develop a screening tool that enables citi-
zens to identify potential problem areas
o provide a standardized data collection
method so regional and trend comparisons
can be made
o focus experts' limited resources on sus-
pected problem areas
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What is a Lakewalk?
Lakewaik is a series of simple and important
questions you can answer while you walk the
banks of a chosen lake. It is designed for people
of all ages and educational backgrounds. You do
not need any training to participate. Lakewalk
will teach you about lake ecosystems. the plants
and animal communities that make the lake their
home. There are no right or wrong answers and afl
the data can be obtained by shoreline observa-
tions without the need for a boat or monitoring
equipment. While you are out walking and learning
about the lake, you will be gathering data that
can give your local environmental organization
information needed to protect and restore the
lake. Without volunteers like you who are willing
to dedicate time to Lakewalk, many lakes may
not get the attention they need and deserve.
Thank you for participating and remember this is
as much a learning tool for you as it is an infor-
mation gathering tool for your local lake monitor-
ing organizations.
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Who’s in Charge?
You are! Although the EPA has devet-
oped Lakewalk, we visualize this as a
self-driven grass roots tool. We hope
you will use Lake walk to develop a locally
organized, long term citizen take monk
toring program. or to join forces with an
existing lake monitoring agency. Working
with others offers training and consis-
tency and, by keeping the information
local, you and your organization can
better protect your specific take
ecosystem .
The limited role for EPA is to provide
A ‘ information and support to local
I organizations. We encourage local
S $ organizations to maintain their own
data. Eventually, we expect to develop a
Lakewalk database similar to the
; 9; Streamwalk database that is currently
being distributed to interested users.
ln the future, we may be involved with
state and local organizations in inter-
% / preting Lakewa}k data
If you have questions or comments
* p about Lakewalk, or would like to be put in
touch with Lakewalk coordinators in
your area, please contact:
EPA Lakewalk
LLS.EPAKegionlO
1200 Sixth Avenues
0 Seattle WA 98101-9797
a 1 - 800-424 -4372
‘IA If you start up a Lake walk group in your
• a area, please Let us know!
To ensure effective communication with
everyone, additional services can be made
available to persons with disabilities by
contacting an EPA representative. For those
with impaired hearing or speech. please contact
EPA ’s telecommunication device for the deaf
4 (TPl7) at (206) 553-1698.
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Wore the LS I
identify the lake you want to survey and choose
the site for your Lakewalk. You may wish to
collect data along a familiar lake, one that is
close to your home, or a favorite. Pick a site
that gives you as much access to the lake shore
as possible. a site which allows you to walk 50
feet to your left and right.. To provide adequate
information, please try to survey the lake four
times a year. once each season. Doing this
enables you to observe the subtle yet incredible
changes that occur over the year. and helps you
gain a complete picture of the lake’s natural Life
cycle.
Data Collection Tips
Please, consider the following precautionary tips:
o Get the permission of landowners to cross any
private land, posted or not. DO NOT ENTER
AREAS WiTHOUT PERM1SSION. Itis
recommended that you use public access
points (such as city/county/state parks and
campgrounds).
o Always work with someone.
o Se careful of ticks, poison oak, nettles, in
sects. Sring repellent and protective clothing.
o Se careful not to swim in deep waters. It is not
necessary to enter the water for any of the
Lakewalk. Se aware that the lake bed and shot% ft
could be slippery and unstable.
s a
o Do not walk on unstable banks; your footst4i 0
could speed erosion. ‘14
o Se alert; of nesting areas and other delicate 1’
habitats around the lake. These could be well
hidden in tall grasses and shrubs (easy to
accidently walk through). Please have as little
impact on the animals and their environment
as possible.
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o e careful of lake side vegetation-
disturb tt as little as possible.
o If for any reason you feel uncomfortable
about the lake conditions or surroundings.
please stop your lakewalk. Your safety Is
much more valuable than any of the
objectives of Lakewaikl
o If you see anything that does not seem right
(e.g. rusting barrels or a clear-cut extending to
the water’s edge) E CAUTIOUS, and contact
your local government, or the EPA immediately.
1-800-424-4EPA. Your prompt action
could result in positive changes to the lake
ecosystem.
The following Is a suggested list of Items to
have along on your Lakewalk:
o Comfortable rubber boots or old shoes
o Snag and thorn-proof clothing that is
appropriate for the weather
oClip board
o Lakewalk data forms
oApencil
o Folding ruler or tape measure
o Glass container (an old jar will work fine)
o Camera and film in waterproof bag. Pictures
are an excellent way to document changes in
the lake. Photos can be used by resource
professionals to assess the changing condi-
tions of the lake. E SURE TO TAKE PHOTO-
GRAPHS AT THE SAME LOCMION EACH
TIME YOU SURVEY THE LAKEe For easy
identification of the site, place a sheet identify-
ing the date arid site in a visible location for
your picture. Save your photos with a copy of
the survey data sheet.
o you are away from urban or residential areas.
the following are recommended for safety:
Extra clothes in a waterproof bag
Fire starter (candle and lighter)
Small first aid kit, flashlight and extra
• batteries
bottle of water and extra food
Whistle
5
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WHAT IS A LAKE?
A lake is an inland E’oc y of standing water. It s a
critical part; of the environment serving as the
collection b’asin for all the water that falls in the
watershed. Lakes are irriport.ant to people and
ecosystems ‘eca use they:
o F’rovide critical ha ltat for fish and
wik life,
o rovide a place for runoff sediments
to settle and disperse.
o Control floods,
o Supply drinking water,
o Frovicle a recreational area, arid
o Serve as places of E eauty and inspiration for
residents and visitors.
Lakes are continually influenced ‘y the activities
in the surrounding watershed. The watershed is
the area of land where all the rain collected runs
to one single point, usually a lake or river. Any
pollution or unhealthy changes created in the
watershed will inevital’iy affect the lake.
Lakes age through a process called Eutrophica-
tIon. When a lake is first formed it appears
crystal clear. As the lake matures, over time it
accumulates sediments, nutrients, plants.
and algae. This eventually fills the lake changing
it into a wetland and, after a long time, a forest.
This aging process is typical for most lakes I’ut,
of course, there are many exceptions. Some
lakes never appear clear (often the case for
shallow lakes), while others remain clear accumu-
lating very few nutrients over time (true for
many deep alpine lakes). Eutrophication normally
takes hundreds to thousands of years L’ut. with
human Influence, can occur in decades. because
eutrophication takes time, it may L’e difficult to
tell if it has ‘een caused y nature, humans, or
L oth. y returning to the same site for several
seasons you can t ecome familiar with the lake’s
natural changes and human influences that
affect eutrophication.
• ‘ . “
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Within the lake there are processes that
determine the types and numbers of organisms
able to survive. OS such process is stratifica-
tion. Puring warmer months, the lake becomes
layered with warm water staying towards the
surface and cooler water sinking to the bottom.
You might have noticed this while swimming.
Stratification affects oxygen content, light
penetration. and photosynthesis all of which
affect the entire lake ecosystem.
When looking out over a lake you might not
initially think that so much is going on. The lake’s
plants and animals have worked together over
thousands of years to create a balance. Unfor-
tunately, humans can easily tip the balance,
forcing changes in the lake’s communities. 6y
enhancing your awareness, you will gain a special
understanding of the processes and changes in
and around the lake. Through your increased
appreciation you can become a positive influence
in protecting and improving lakes in your area.
-- i t.
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A Watershed
7
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Now Is the Time to D c gin:
Instructions
eIow are directions for filling out the Lakewalk
Survey Pata Sheet. It may be helpful to briefly
review the Lakewalk manual before you begin and
have it with you on your walk. To help you
understand your data, each survey question has
an explanation of what to look for and why it is
important. Only write down what you see. If you
are in doubt, leave the question blank. If you see
something that is important and not in the
questions PLEASE record in the space provided
for Additional Comments at the end of the Pata
Sheet. Whatever information you can observe
and document will benefit your local organiza-
tions, governments, and inevitably the lake
ecosystem. Remember, this is not a test. Enjoy
this opportunity to discover and appreciate the
vital role lakes play in the watershed.
Cover sheet
Please fill out the cover sheet.
Site Survey Data Sheet
Please identify your site for future lakewalks and
your own reference. It may be helpful to name
your site after a nearby landmark such as a boat
dock ora large tree.
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Survey Ouestlons and Explanations
1. Weather
Please note the current weather. Rainfall
affects inflow, clarity, and amount of water in a
lake. Weather reports are availaHe in the daily
newspaper or 1’y calling the local weather service.
E efinitions of weather conditions established y
the National Weather Service are:
J aIr?. 1/3U or less in 24 hours - light steady
rainfall.
5hower9. 1/3” - 1 ’ in24 hours, intermittent and
variaHe in intensity.
5Vorm 1 or more rain in 24 hrs, usually accom-
panied by winds.
2. Lake map
Please sketch a map of your lake, indicating your
survey site and the 100 ft. surrounding it. If you
cannot see the whole lake, draw what you can
see from your site.
A map of your lake can help decipher the impor-
tant characteristics that may be affecting the
lake’s health. It can help you dbserve changes
and remind you what was seen on previous
Lakewalks. You may want to make a photocopy
of your drawing for future comparisons. F’Iease
include your site location, vegetation. observed
water inflowè and outflow, and any other
physical parameters that might affect the lake
(e.g. housing developments, boat ramps). The
following sketch can give you an idea of informa-
Sample Map tion that can be included on your map.
T.
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MTtc,cj 9 E UP4E 4 S ‘
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3. Lake Measurements
What is the depth and surface area of the take?
Indicate if your response is estimated or
measured. Sometimes this information might be
impossil’le to estimate. In this case leave the line
blank and continue your walk.
Depth might be available at your locallibrary,
your state’s Environmental Quality Pepartment
or at local lake organizations. If this data Is not
available, please estimate the depth using words
such as deep or shallow.
5urface Area can be computed if you have
access to a map. In other ca’ es please esti-
mate to the best of your ability. A benchmark is
that a standard football field covers approxi-
mately one acre (1.03 acre).
4. Type of Lake
Is this a natural lake ora human-made reservoir?
Reservoirs are flooded river beds created by a
dam at one eri8 Reservoirs are used for power
generation, flood control, and drinking water
supply. In order to create a reservoir many
natural processes must be altered or stopped.
Reservoirs may currently assist humans but
they create a great strain on the ecosystems
and inhabitants who have adapted to the
natural flow of the river.
5. Water Clarity
roes the water appear clear or cloudy? For a
closer look, fill a clear glass container with lake
water. You may see bits of plants. dirt, or tiny
living organisms. Too much of any of these can
cloud the water contributing to problems.
Cloudy water results from natural processes (a
bottom feeding carp stirring up sediment or the
milky appearance of glacial flows), and human
land uses in the watershed that increase soil
erosion. Sediment can smother fish eggs and
newly hatched insect larvae. Suspended solids
absorb’ heat from sunlight increasing the water
temperature and reducing the light available for
plant growth. These both decrease the life giving
oxygen in the water.
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S. Lake ottom
Describe the take bottom substrate at the
shore, under the water line. This material
determines what kind of plants are able to
survive. Mud supports a wide variety of plants.
while boulders support few plants.
51ft/c!ay/mud: These particles are fine with a
sticky, cohesive feelinq. The spaces between the
particles hold a lot of water, making the sedi-
ments behave like ooze.
5and (up to .1 inch) Sand is made up of tiny
particles of rock. It feels wonderful underfoot.
Grave! (25-2 inches, A gravel bottom is made
up of stones ranging from tiny quarter inch
pebbles to rocks of 2 inches. These range from
the size of a pea to a baseball.
Cofrfrles (2-10 inches) The majority of these
rocks range between 2 and 10 inches. The
average size is about that of a grapefruit.
z3oulder5 (greater than 10 inches). Most of the
rocks on the bottom will be large, greater than
10 inches. rocks you could easily sit on.
7. In-Lake Vegetation
Describe the vegetation in the lake and remem-
ber to include it on your map. Types and numbers
of aquatic vegetation can be influenced by
nature and humans. Typically. few plants grow in
low nutrient lakes, while lakes with a lot of
incoming nutrients flourish with aquatic plants.
Not ce the increase or decrease of vegetation
over time. Most lakes naturally take thousands
of years to gain plants (eutrophy). but with
humans influencing the addition of nutrients.
aquatic plants can easily over take a lake in a few
years. For example. a sudden increase in pond
lilies is more likely the result of excess nutrient
input (e.g. lawn fertilizer or failing septic sys-
tems) than a natural process.
Non-native plants can also alter the lake’s
natural state. WithOut natural predators.
exotic plants can take over, leaving little space
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or nutrients for native species. Unless you are
famliiar with identifying native plants it Is
thfficuft to determine if exotic plants exist. You
can be suspicious if one plant dominates the
whole area.
5ukmerged: Plants rooted in the lake bottom
growing entirely under the water surface.
Floating: Some part of the plant floats and
may or may not be rooted in the lake bottom.
Emergent: Plants rooted in the lake bottom
growing beyond the water surface.
8. Woody [ )ebrls
Ptease mark the general amount of logs and
woody debris in the lake. Logs and woody debris
(not twigs and leaves) in the water, shade and Hydrilla
cover. providing fish with cool water arid hiding Vertlcuflata
places.
9. suffer Zone
Measure or estimate the width of vegetation at
your site and remember to draw it on your map.
Walking away from the water, the buffer zone
width is measured from the water line to the far
edge of the natural vegetation. If the water level
is lOw, measure starting at the top of the beach.
If the width changes. measure what you see
most often. If the vegetation is pasture. lawn,
bark, orlartdecaped. it is not natural, so please
indicate.
The buffer zone consists of the natural vegeta-
tion on the lake shore. The plants in the buffer
zone shade the water; filter sediments and
nutrients entering the lake from surrounding
areas; hold the soil in place preventing erosion;
add nutrients ‘to the lake in the form of leaves
arid foliage; and provide habitat for lake side
wildlife, Recommended widths can range from 5
meters to 100 meters, but currently there is no
standard width for protecting a lake.
suffer zones are important around the entire
lake. Please estimate the percentage of lake
side that is covered by any natural buffer zone.
Consider all the lake shore you can see.
12
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iC). Lakeside vegetation
Please mark the types of plants on the lake
shore. The trees and shrubs along the lake side
make up the buffer zone. Listed below are some
types of vegetation you may see.
Conifer: A cone bearing, evergreen tree
(e.g. a douglas fir).
Peciduou : A tree which sheds its leaves in the
fall (e.g. an oak tree).
5ma!! trees or 5hrufrs: Either conifers or
deciduous bushes less than 20 feet high.
Grasses: Any of numerous natural growing
plants with narrow leaves,jointed stems, or
clusters of inconspicuous flowers (This does not
include mowed lawns).
11. ArtificIal anks
Mark the percentage of artificial banks and
include them on your map. Artificial banks
include lake side modifications such as riprap (a
retaining wall built of rocks or concrete). boat
launches, and artificial shorelines made for
swimming areas and other easy access. These
modifications may help control some shoreline
erosion, but they do not filter pollutants or
provide natural habitat. Therefore, they are less
beneficial to the Overall lake ecosystem than
vegetated buffer areas.
Looking at the entire lake, please estimate the
percentage of lake bank that is artificially
modified.
12. Inlets and Outlet
Please identify any visible areas or structures
through which water flows into or out of the lake
and label them on your map. Water flowing into
and out of the lake carries nutrients, sediments,
pollution, and organisms. It is important to know
where pollution or excess nutrients are coming
from in order to limit them in the lake.
5 ream5: naturally flowing
WeDlands: natural holding areas for water 13
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Culverte: pipes used for transporting water
under land and roads /
Ditche5: human-made streams present along
roadways Il k
4 1 ?
Other any other device used for transporting 1 a
water
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13. Animals
Please mark any animals you see. If you do not
see any keep an eye out for the objects they use
or leave behind. Evidence such as carcasses,
scat. tracks, fur, feathers, nests, eggs. or egg % /4
sacks can all suggest an animal was there.
Listen for noises and calls of nearby animals. M S
S
The numbers and types of animals can indicate %iç !.
the health of a lake. Typically. the more types C
you see the healthier the lake. Of course, there A
are exceptions. Animals such as pigeons and
seagulls have adapted to the human environ-
ment and can live in polluted areas. Pomesti- k
cated animals, such as cats and dogs. drive
away or kill wiLdlife and ruin habitat.
Non-native animals, new animals introduced to a ti ’
take, may not have the natural predators needed
to keep populations down. They can grow to
unreasonable numbers and destroy many of the
native plants and animals that were unprepared
for a new invader %!
14. AdJacent Land and In-Lake Uses t
Please record the adjacent land and in-lake uses
you can see around the lake. Adjacent land use
has a tremendous impact on the health of the S b
lake and its buffer zone. Enter a “1 if the land use
is present and “2 if it is clearly impacting the 1/
lake. Examples of clearly impacting could include
a row of single family housing with green lawns • s
extending to the water line (no buffer zone and
an increase in nutrients from too many septic 4 t
systems), an unpaved road along the shore line á$ d. i i
(possible erosion), a clearcut leaving little buffer i
zone (erosion and loss of habitat), ora new
construction site with no erosion control.
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15. Lake Conditions
Please record the lake conditions. Lake condi-
tions are usually caused y impacts like those
identified in #14. 6y understanding that these
symptoms are the result of something else that
is happening in the watershed, you can help
identify and correct the source of the problem.
Enter a “1” if the condition is present or “2” if it is
severe. Severe symptoms are those needing
attention. A few pieces of garbage in the water
is one thing but garbage filling the shore line is
definitely severe.
On the sank
Degraded fruffer zone : Indicate if lake side
vegetation is trampled. missing. or replaced by
landscaping or cultivation. Remember, lawns may
look nice L ut they are not natural. They increase
incoming nutrients and take away natural wildlife
habitat.
Collapsed or eroded franks: Note if banks have
been washed away or worn down. This can occur
on very windy lakes or when motor boats drive
too fast or close to the shore lines creating
large wakes.
GarL’age or Junk on lake franks: indicate if
human made materials are present on the shore.
In the Lake
Algae floating or covering the lake frotlom
Algae is a primitive plant lacking true leaves.
stems, and a root system. Algae is difficult to
see unless there is a lot in one area where it can
look like floating hair, brightly colored water, or
pea soup. Algae naturally occurs in lakes, but
becomes a problem in large quantities called
blooms. Algal blooms occur when the lake’s
nutrients increase resulting in fish kills and
water toxicity. If you see floating mats or the
water is a thick soupy color you probably have an
algal bloom. CAUTION, use something. other
than your own bare hands, if touching any algal
growths.
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5heen: Sheen can occur naturally or 1’e the
result of a pollution proh4em. For example, an
iridescent sheen on the water might k’e from
rotting leaves, or from accumulating car or ‘oat
motor oil. Usually, natural sheen is uniform in
color while rainL ow colored sheen is from petro-
leum products.
Foam: The color of foam is often a good md lea-
tor of possible problems. White foam implies
there is pollution where cream or light brown
foams occur naturally. Typically a thick foam,
more than a few inches high with large u Hes,
indicates a pollutant pro ’lem. Natural foam
tends to 17e present in small compact amounts.
Lake 5meIi: The smell of a lake can easily tell you
if there is a serious proi’lem. Unpleasant odors
may indicate there is a lot of decaying matter.
This could 1’e from too much plant and animal
growth, a result of fertilizer overuse or failing
septic systems. Other pollutants, such as
petroleum. can also give the lake a peculiar smell.
Garbage orJunk in lake: Indicate if human
made materials such as litter, tires, hot water
heaters, car L ’odies, and other gart’age are in the
lake.
16. The Final Question
Weather and your swimming ability permitting,
would you like to swim in this lake? Why?
Additional Comments
Here is the place to add anything else you think
is important for determining the health of the
lake. Please use this area to explain in detail
anything you feel needs further explanation.
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After the Lakewalk
Now that you have gathered your Lakewalk data,
you may want to make it available to local lake
organizations and governments. Contacting
local groups can be beneficial for you and the
lake. They may be able to provide you information
and background on your lake site helping you
understand your data. More importantly . your
survey information could be of great use and
value in the organization’s lake monitoring
programs.
Examples of groups to contact include: Your
state’s local chapter of NALMS (North Ameri-
can Lakes Management Society). Sierra Club.
Audubon Society, local fishing clubs, home
owners groups. and other local environmental
programs.
Latitude & Longitude
The last step before you send on your data is to
determine the latitude and longitude of your
survey site. This will enable other people to
immediately determine your site location, and
allow your data to be used in a computerized
Geographic Information System (GIS).
Topographical (topo) maps are needed in order
to accurately identify the latitude/longitude of
your site. Topo maps are available at local
sporting goods and book stores. The cost is
approximately $5.00. You may also find one to
photocopy at your local library. Use the instruc-
tions on page iS to determine the latitude and
longitude of your site.
Please return your completed site survey data
form to your local Lakewaik coordinator. You
may want to keep a copy of the data sheet to
note trends and changes.
Local Lakewalk Coordlnator
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instructions for Defining LATITUDE
and LONGITUDE
Latitude arid longitude are defined in degrees,
minutes and seconds. There are 60 seconds in a
minute and 60 minutes in a degree. The symbols
are as follows: o = degree.’ = minute and “ =
seconds. The following example may help you
determine the Latitude and Longitude for your
Lakewaik site.
Mouse Pond Map 7.5 x 15 Minute Series
95151 51.1
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Read
Longitude
(question #4)
47°3T3 ’
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Read
Latitude
(question #12)
1
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Longitude
1. Look at the right side (upper or tower corner) Exam Ia
under the map name, or the second of two
numbers seperated by “x”, to find the width scale
(longitude) of the map:
If 7.5 Minute Series, enter 450 900
If ‘15 Minute Series,” enter 900
if 7.SxlS Minute Series,” enter 900
If ‘15x30 Minute Series 1 ” enter 900 cm JQ cm
2. Using a ruler, measure the width of your map
east to west (exclude borders) sec/cm 9 O9tG/cm
3. Pivide #1 by #2 to the nearest whole number 22°
4. Enter the Longitude located in the lower
right hand corner.
cm 3 1cm
5. Using a ruler, measure (centimeters) from
your site,straight across, to the right hand side 37x90
ofthemap.
0. Multiply #5 by #3 (to the nearest whole 333/60
number) 5 t Imes
(300)
7. Convert #6 to minutes and seconds by 3 3 3 3 0 0 ’s
dividing by 00. Your whole number afterdMsion 33 leftover
is the number of minutes, and the remainder is or 5’ 3Y
the number of seconds. (12o not use a calcula-
tor). For example. 215 can be divided by eo
three times. 215-180=35. So 215 converts to 122
3’35’. ____
8. Add#4to#7
The Answer for #8 Is the LONGITUDE of Your
Slte
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Latitude
9. Look at the right side (upper or lower corner)
under the map name or the second of two
numbers seperated by ‘ ‘ to find the height
scale (latitude) of the map.
If ‘7.5 Minute Series,” enter 450
lf 15 Minute Series,” enter 900
lf’7.5x15 Minute Series,” enter 450
10. Using a ruler, measure the length of your
map. north to south(centimeters)
11. Divk e #9 by #10 to the nearest whole
number
Your
Work Example
-_____ 450
cm lOi
5eC/cm
450/10=
4 Ssec/cm
12. Enter the Latitude locatec4 ri the lower right
hand corner
13. Using a ruler, measure(cenimeters) from
your site straight down to the bottom of the
map.
14. Multiply #13 by #11 (to the nearest whole)
15. Convert; #14 to minutes and secondsb’y
dividing by 60. Your whole number after division
is the number of minutes, arid the remainder is
the number of seconds. (Do not use a calcula-
tor). For example. 215 can be divided by 60
three times. 215-180=35. So 215 converts to
313511
16. M d #15 to #12
The Answer for #16 is the LATITUDE of your
site
_____ 47030 1
cm 4.8cm
4.8 x45
______ =216
216/60
3 tImes
(180)
216-180=
36 left over
or 3’ 36 ’
______ 47• 33’ 36 ’
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Additional Resources
Lakewalk may only scratch the surface in
determining the health of your lake. If you want
to do more to help insure its protection, the
following organizations and publications offer
more indepth lake monitoring information.
Organizations
Alaska Pepartment of
Environmental Conservation
P .O. ox 0
Juneau, AK.99811-1800
(907)452 -5021
PMsion of Enviromental Quality
Idaho Pepartment of Health & Welfare
1410 North Hilton
Statehouse Mail
boise, IP 83702-9000
(208) 334-0550
pen ,
#‘ 0
Oregon Pepartment of Environmental Quality /
Water Quality Pivisfon
811 SW 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 229-5696
i S a
Washington Pepartment of Ecology
P .O. Sox 47710
Olympia. WA 98504-7710
(360)407-6000
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Publications
Volunteer Lake Monitoring: A Methods
Manual
US EPA
Office of Wetlanc s, Oceans ancl Watersheds
WH-553
401 M Street, SW
Washington. DC 20460
Diet for a Small Lake
Federation of Lake Associations Inc.
2175 Teneyck Avenue
Cazenovia, NY 13035
Lake Smarts
Terrene Institute
1717 K Street NW, Suite &01
Washington D.C. 20006
(202) 833- 317
The lake nook
COLA
PO ox39i
Yarmouth. ME 04096
(207) &46-4271
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hiossary
Ecosystem The interaction of plants and
animals with their non-living environment.
Erosion The wearing away of the land surface by
wind or water.
Eutrophication (eutrophy) The increase of
nutrients in lakes either naturally or artificially.
Exotic From another pare of the world, non-
native.
G.I.S. Geographical Information System. A
computer program which provides a map and
information (such as point source polluters, and
endangered species) of the area specified by the
known latitude and longitude.
HabItat The specific environment in which an
organism lives and depends on for food and
shelter.
Monitor To measure a characteristic such as
lake water clarity, dissolved oxygen, or fish
population over a period of time, using uniform
methods to evaluate change.
Native Sting an original inhabiter of a place.
NutrIent A substance, such phosphorous and
nitrogen, which enhances the growth of plants
and animals. in small quantities nutr ients
enhance growth and are beneficial, but too many
* nutrients can cause an over production of
organisms which produces problems for the
entire ecosystem.
Organism Any living individual.
Oxygen Content Amount of oxygen in the
water influencing fish and other aquatic animals.
Pollution The addition of something unnatural
or the addition of too much of something that is
natural.
t !r? - ‘tW
b “ r r r
a’
‘I ,
a
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Photosynthesis A chemical process, done t’y
plants. converting sunlight into a usal7le form of
energy (e.g. food).
Run-off The portion of rainfall, melted snow, or
irrigation water that flows across the ground
surface. possiHy carrying pollutants, into
streams anc lakes.
Scat The excrement of an animal.
Sediment Fine soil or mineral particles that
sett’e to the ‘ottom of the lake or stay sus-
pended in the water.
Species The individual organisms that make up
a population and are reproductively corn patil’le.
All the differing species make up the communi-
ties and all the communities make up the entire
ecosystem.
Stratification Layering of lake water caused
y differences in water density.
SuL’strate The material that makes up the
bottom layer of the lake, such as gravel, sand,
and ‘oulders.
Toxicity: Describes the amount of poison
present and its level of danger.
Vegetation The plants in an area.
Watershed The land from which rain collects
and runs to a single point.
Wetland Wetlands are areas with soils that are
saturated for some part of the year. They can
‘e identified y unique plants which have
adapted to oxygen-deficient soils. Wetlands
influence stream flows arid water quality and
may l?e an integral part of the lake ecosystem.
24
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I £
;c.
I : a s
‘i i
. “ tt
Notes
“4
*4
$4
ft
25
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