Water Quality and Environmental Studies
To view the complete reports for the studies below, click on the titles.
Click here to see maps associated with the studies
Water Quality Analysis Nutrient Budget
Lake Shoreline and Shallows Habitat Survey
Aquatic Macrophyte Survey-Point Intercept Method
Grindstone Lake Invasive Species Monitoring: This report provides an education and overview of the invasive species that each of us should monitor while on Grindstone Lake. Should you have any questions regarding the monitoring or eradication of invasive species, please contact a GLA board member via the “Contact Us” link.
2010 Grindstone Lake Water Quality Report: This report, released in Nov. 2012, summarizes the results of a 2010 hydrologic and phosphorus budget study of Grindstone Lake. The LCO Conservation Department completed this report to examine the relationship between land use activities and water quality. The results include an estimate of inflow and out flow of water. This report summarizes the results of a hydrologic and phosphorus budget study of Grindstone Lake. Basic in-lake water quality data was collected from June through September of 2010. This data was then used to estimate annual hydrologic and phosphorus budgets for the lake in order to examine the relationship between watershed land use activities and lake water quality.from Grindstone Lake, and also estimates the amount and source of phosphorous entering Grindstone Lake. Phosphorous contributes to algal blooms decreasing water clarity and quality.
2010 Citizen Assessment Critical Habitats and Priority Shorelines: The Association partnered with the GIS Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to conduct an assessment of Grindstone Lake critical habitat and to prioritize shorelines that merit protection. The program utilized a lake planning grant received in 2009 from the Wisconsin DNR. The Association sought to become better informed, prioritize conservation choices, build local awareness, develop a plan to protect critical habitats, and assist the Wisconsin DNR in a future DNR lead critical habitat assessment. The assessment was conducted with citizen volunteers for both data collection and analysis of field observations used to determine critical habitat criteria and priority shorelines surrounding Grindstone Lake. Final work products include both the Citizen Assessment of Critical Habitat & Priority Shorelines 2010 and a series of Grindstone Lake Maps detailing assessment data.
2008 Core Sediment Study of Grindstone Lake: This study was undertaken to help determine how the lake has changed over time, when changes have occurred and what the causes were. In July 2004, two sediment cores were collected from the deepest area of the lake. Using fossil remains found in the sediment, it was possible to reconstruct changes in the lake ecosystem over time. The mean sedimentation rates measured in the core samples over the last 150 years are some of the lowest that have been measured in Wisconsin. By the 1880s the sedimentation rate was increasing and peaked mid-1940s. The rate steadily declined until around 1980 and then it increased to the top of the core where the rate was twice as high as the background rate. From this we can conclude that watershed activities seem to have impacted sedimentation rates over two time periods. The increase during the last two decades indicate that current activities around the lake are adversely impacting the lake.
2007 Grindstone Lake Septic Survey Results: Between 2003 and 2006 the Association mailed petitions and permission slips to the lakeshore owners to conduct the survey. By the year 2006, the Grindstone Lake Association had 68%-70% of the lakeshore property owner’s approval.The survey was begun in October of 2006, and continued in June 2007. In total, 286 systems out of 305 dwellings were inspected by Sawyer County. Of the 286 systems inspected, 243 (85%) passed inspection, 30 systems (11%) failed inspection, and nine systems (3%) were inconclusive. Four properties could not be inspected because the homeowner denied the inspectors access to their property. As of January 2009 all but one septic system has been brought into compliance with state and county requirements.
2006 Aquatic Plant Management Plan Grindstone Lake: The Aquatic Plant Management Plan presents data about the plant community, watershed, and water quality of Grindstone Lake. Based on this data and public input, the plan provides goals as well as strategies for the sound management of aquatic plants in the lake. This encompasses preservation of native species related to their benefit to the lake ecosystem, enhancing fish habitat, maintaining good water quality, and reducing/preventing the establishment of aquatic invasive species. The plan reviews public input, summarizes data, discusses management options and alternatives, and recommends action items. This plan will guide the Grindstone Lake Association and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in aquatic plant management.