This study was undertaken to gather productivity data, compare trends, and investigate possible sources of nutrients having negative effects on water quality to Long Lake. There has been growing concern from homeowners throughout the watershed of decreasing water quality in Long Lake and other lakes in the watershed through increased productivity. Citizen water monitoring has taken place on Long Lake since the early 1990’s through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Self Help program and also through studies by BARR Engineering and UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education. Comparing previous work with current data, we can draw preliminary conclusions concerning sources of increased productivity on Long Lake. Internal loading of phosphorous in Long Lake appears to be supplying the lake with excess phosphorous for increased productivity. The extent of internal loading in Long Lake is still not fully understood because new findings in 2005 indicate a high concentration of phosphorous in some ground water inputs into the lake.

The Long Lake Preservation Association, Inc. will conduct a small scale lake planning grant project involving lake and watershed monitoring on Long Lake and it's watershed in Washburn County. Primary activities for this project include utilizing a student intern to conduct a lake and watershed monitoring program involving; 1.) developing a corps of citizen volunteers on Long Lake and area watershed lakes who are knowledgeable and skilled in the use of the "Hydrolab Quanta, 2.) developing a series of educational displays focused on lake water quality and watershed ecology in existing ecology learning centers located on the Boy Scouts camp on Long Lake, and 3.) sharing the results of recent water quality monitoring with watershed residents. Specific deliverables for this grant project include: \00B7 A Final Project Summary Report including the project results. The Department of Natural Resources will be provided with both a paper copy and an electronic copy of the final report. The project results will be disseminated to the public by newsletter(s), public meeting(s), and local newspaper articles.

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