Citizen-based Monitoring Advisory Council

The Wisconsin Association of Lakes believes citizens can play a critical role in monitoring the health of their lakes. The Self-help Lake monitoring program, for example, has been popular and successful. In the first 15 years, over 2400 volunteers have participated in the program, and have monitored over 1000 different lakes. Currently 1100 volunteers help monitor over 850 lakes for water clarity, water chemistry, aquatic plants, and aquatic invasive species.

Volunteer monitors collect valuable data that help us all learn more about our lakes, and measure if there are long term changes in lake water quality. It is important to have quality data in order to make the best management decisions possible for our unique lakes.

The Citzen-based Monitoring Advisory Council represents the volunteer monitoring community and works in collaboration with the DNR to help set priorities regarding the monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals and their habitats, identify funding sources, solicit public support, and assist in the evaluation of the Citizen-based monitoring program.

The purpose of the Citizen-based Monitoring Partnership Program is to provide funding and support to initiate or expand citizen based monitoring programs.

Citizen-based Monitoring Network of Wisconsin (Exit this site)

Get involved in Self-Help lake monitoring (Exit this site)