The MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program is looking for volunteers to help gather information about water quality and fish habitat conditions in Michigan lakes.
It’s a community program that connects volunteers with a statewide network of people who are working to protect Michigan’s inland lakes. Water quality monitor volunteers will choose which lake to sample, select which measurements to take, and receive instructions and training.
Volunteers will need to pay a fee to cover the cost of supplies and analyzing the samples. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, volunteers can collaborate with local lake associations or other organizations to help pay for the fees.
All the information the volunteers get will be added to the MiCorps Data Exchange, a public database that includes 50 years’ worth of program lake data. The database is used by the public, local communities, and state agencies to protect and manage Michigan’s lakes.
Anyone with any questions can visit micorps.net to learn more. You can also contact Erick Elgin (Michigan State University Extension) at 218-340-5731 or elgineri@msu.edu. Or contact Joe Nohner (DNR) at 517-599-6825 or nohnerj@michigan.gov.