Beltrami SWCD is involved in many aspects of water quality.   We sample at least five lakes around the county every year to establish Carlson TSI rankings to track nutrient changes over time. Parameters sampled include chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus, secchi, dissolved oxygen, temperature and conductivity. Average values for lakes in Minnesota have been determined by ecoregion.  Lakes are chosen for a variety of reasons including  date last sampled, whether there is a boat access and development pressure.  If you live on a lake that does not have access, and you would be willing to help us sample once a month for May-September, please contact our office before April and we will put it on our list for consideration.  Typical sampling events take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on lake depth, weather, and distance to sampling location.  Samples are taken at the deepest part of the lake. 

We also work on many watershed projects with various partners, including the Turtle River Watershed Association, Beltrami Coalition of Lake & River Associations (BCLARA),Cass Lake/Lake Winnibigoshish Clean Water Partnership and the Blackduck River Study Challenge Grant.  For more information, contact Dann Siems, Beltrami SWCD Aquatic Biologist at dann.siems@mn.nacdnet.net. Check our our ever-expanding concept map based primer on limnology and related topics. Over the next few months we will also be establishing a detailed database of 100 area lakes (check back in September).

Questions or comments about our site?  Email Paula at paula.lowe@mn.nacdnet.net