Lake Amacoy is a small, relatively shallow and productive lake located in Rusk County, Wisconsin. Lakeshore property owners have been concerned with maintaining water quality in the lake that is suitable for recreational activities, including boating, fishing and swimming. In order to evaluate the current status of Lake Amacoy, the Rusk County Land Conservation Department applied for and received funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of the Lakes Planning Grant Program in 1991. The purpose of the grant was to determine: 1) the present status of nutrient conditions and algal populations; 2) whether inlet streams associated with agricultural activities account for the observed levels of algal nutrients; and 3) whether there is evidence of bacterial contamination in Lake Amacoy. In order to accomplish these objectives, we sampled Lake Amacoy and its inlet streams during spring and summer in 1991 and 1992. The purpose of the sampling was to determine the current trophic condition (levels of algal nutrients and algal populations) of the lake. Evaluation of the trophic condition or status of the lake involved several steps including the measurement of thermal structure, oxygen distributions, lakewater transparency, the chemical analysis of water samples and microscopic analysis of algal samples. This report summarizes the results of sampling during both years.

1) Collect water chemistry samples at three sites for two years in May, June, July, and August. 2) Collect and preserve algal samples on each sampling date.3) Compile land use maps to identify potential source areas of nonpoint source pollution. Summarize land use and soil type information. 4) Develop map of septic tank locations in the watershed. Analyze nutrient loading from septic tanks.5) Prepare final report including summary of data collected, evaluation of the lake's trophic status, watershed and septic system maps and estimates of nutrient loading from septic systems.6) Information will be disseminated to the public through newsletter mailings, public meetings, fact sheet distribution, and local media.