End of August Results

Most of the results are available for the end of August sampling.

West Okoboji continues to show low levels of nutrients and algae, whereas the north end of Big Spirit and East Okoboji had increases. As the beginning of September rolls in, volunteers will be out collecting the last of the water samples for the CLAMP project.

CLAMP Picnic

After a sumptious dinner of BBQ pork, sides , salads and dessert Dennis Heimdal gave a presentation of some of the 2011 season data. We pondered variations in data from last year to this, and in this photo Jane Leib is showing possible soil erosion path and P sources into East Okoboji.

13th Annual CLAMP Picnic!

The food and the data interpretation were GREAT at the 13th Annual Thank YOu CLAMP Volunteer Picnic at Lakeside Lab! Thank you CLAMPologists!

Late July and early August Results

Results from late July and early August are now posted.

The lower portions of East Okoboji along with Minnewashta and the Gar lakes definitely saw an increase in nutrient and algae levels compared to early July. Silver Lake by Lake Park showed some interesting results. Water clarity was poor, phosphorus and nitrogen levels were high, but algae abundance was very low. This probably indicates high levels of turbidity in the lake from suspended silt and sediment. Phosphorus is typically attached to suspended sediments which create poor water clarity and shade out algae from growing.