Crystal Lake Study

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Crystal Lake is located in Benzie County, Michigan and encompasses an area of approximately 15.2 square miles with an extended watershed of approximately 22.6 square miles. The watershed to lake ratio is 1.5. It is fed by six permanent tributaries and four intermittent streams. Cold Creek, the largest tributary, enters the lake at the southeastern end and accounts for about 50% of the tributary inflow to the lake. On the south shore, there is one outlet that flows into the Betsie River.
The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive one-year study of the near-shore region of Crystal Lake while continue to monitor water quality in the offshore region.  Our primary objectives were to:
  • Quantify nutrient sources and biotic potential in the near shore region of Crystal Lake.
  • Determine if nutrient concentrations and biotic potential have changed during the past 5 to 30 years.
Primary components of this study include:
  • water quality and plankton monitoring at the central basin
  • examination of nutrients inputs and algal/bacterial growth in the near-shore region
  • quantification of tributary nutrient input
  • survey of macrophyte locations and abundances

 

 

 

Robin and Melissa collecting near-shore water sample

 

 

 

Annie and Jodie going to deep water site to collect water samples

Annie preparing the integrated sampler for use at the deep water site
 

Examining sediment samples for invertebrates
 
 

Dive to collect rooted plants and rocks

Preparing for dive Justin and Scott during dive Scott during dive
 

Rooted Aquatic Plants

 

 

Tiles used in algae growth experiments
 
 

Rocks for algae analysis

 

 

 

Amanda after a long day of sampling

 
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