The Deer Lake Conservancy, in its request for proposals for the present study, indicated they were interested in conducting a more comprehensive lake study, which built upon previous studies. Specifically, there was interest by some board members to consider in-lake management methods such as aquatic plant removal and alum treatment to control nuisance aquatic plants and algae. In addition, the Deer Lake Conservancy was interested in conducting a detailed watershed modeling analysis, conducted as a separate study (JEO 2003), and specific management options for a ‘barnyard runoff management system’ (also known as Pond 1).

The Deer Lake Conservancy, Inc. will conduct a comprehensive "In-Lake" management planning project involving a study and evaluation of Deer Lake in Polk County. Project activities include; conducting an in-lake water quality monitoring survey during 2003, reviewing and evaluating all available water quality data, developing a lake nutrient budget, developing a computer lake response model, developing a management strategy for recently purchased lakeshore property, developing a riparian habitat restoration and protection program for the lake, developing an implementation plan for long term lake management goals and strategies, and completing an updated comprehensive lake management plan.