CAMP or Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program engages volunteers on lakes around the state to gather water quality data. This data is used be cities, counties and other government entities to determine the most efficient way to treat impaired waters and keep good quality water pristine. Currently the Prior Lake – Spring Lake Watershed District have eight CAMP volunteers sampling several lakes including: Buck Lake, Haas Lake, Cates Lake, Lower Prior Lake, Fish Lake, Crystal Lake, Little Prior Lake and Sutton Lake.

The volunteers learned various techniques to gather information on water quality. They take secchi disc readings, take water samples for total phosphorus and Kjeldahl nitrogen, temperature, and decant water through a filter to gather the chlorophyll-a amount. The volunteers also take notes on the recreational and physical appearance. The volunteers also gain increased awareness of their lake’s condition.

The CAMP monitoring program runs from April through October. The monitoring itself is done on a bi-weekly basis with pickups once a month. Contact Danielle Studer if interested, dstuder@plslwd.org or 952-440-0069.

To learn more about this program, visit our Lake Monitoring page.

The District tracks the ice-on and the ice-off dates for District lakes. looking for residents to help report lake ice-out dates or record precipitation. Lakes are considered iced-over or clear when 90% of the lake is ice-covered or open-water, in the fall and spring respectively. It’s fun, easy and no experience is necessary!

Volunteers are needed for both large and small lakes in the District. Not sure if a lake by you is in the District? Check out our lakes page!

If you are interested in helping report ice-on and ice-off dates for District lakes, contact Patty Dronen or 952-447-4166.

To learn more about this program or view historical ice-on and ice-off data, visit our Lake Monitoring page.