BALSAM LAKE P & R DISTRICT: Phase 1: Otter Creek Sediment Evaluation

The Balsam Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District will conduct a comprehensive four phase project to document sediment and water quality characteristics of the Rice Creek drainage system and the effect of that tributary system on the Balsam Lake ecosystem. Rice Creek empties into the northwestern bay of Balsam Lake, which is locally known as "Little Balsam Lake." Sedimentation is occurring near the Rice Lake inlet and is negatively impacting lake use and water quality. Phase 1 will involve sampling on Otter Creek, Phase 2 and 3 involve Rice Creek above and below a sediment control device, and Phase 4 will involve data evaluation and analysis and development of a report.

Activities for this particular Phase 1 grant project include; installation of an automatic flow logger and water sampler on Otter Creek, employment of a student intern to maintain and operate this equipment, collection of samples from 11 rainfall events and one fair weather period during the April to August, 2006 time period, and the analysis of these samples.

Activities

• Comprehensive Planning Studies
• Project Deliverable
• Informational Meetings
• Lakes Planning Grant
• Issue News/Media Release
• Develop/Distribute Newsletter
• Data analysis, report production

Final Report and Products

• LITTLE BALSAM LAKE INFLOW STUDY [PDF 3 MB]
• PHASE 1: OTTER CREEK SEDIMENT EVALUATION [PDF 3 MB]

People/Organizations Involved

• Balsam Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District