Effective resource management requires access to accurate and accessible baseline data. Data for area lakes currently are distributed among a wide variety of different datasets developed by various local, state, and federal agencies. This project integrates all existing data into a single searchable dataset and will augment that data with new information specific to regional lake management activites. This project is currently in its early stages and comments and suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Check back for new developments over the summer and fall of 2008.

Lakes

One hundred representative lakes were selected for inclusion in this data set. [Insert Lake Size Frequency histogram image; link directly to spreadsheet?]

Parameters Compiled

For each lake in the dataset a comprehensive inventory of morphometric and limnological parameters will be developed.

Individual Lake Data Summary Worksheet pdf

Cluster analysis will be used to group lakes based on overall similarity.

Project Partners

• Beltrami SWCD Aquatic Biologist: overall coordination of initiative
• Beltrami County Environmental Services Department: assist with lake and parameter selection
• Bemidji State University Aquatic Biology Program: project-based dataset development

Searchable Web Data

• Minnesota DNR Lakefinder: a good place to start for basic data
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Water Quality Data
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Water Clarity Data
• Minnesota Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisories
• RMB Laboratory Lakes Monitoring Database
• RMB Laboratory Lake Mapping Tool
• USGS Interactive Watersheds Tool
• NRCS Web Soils Survey: excellent inter-active mapping tool with good resolution

GIS and Imaging Tools