Watershed Survey
What’s in your lake or stream?
While you may not be able to answer that question, you can go and find out if your watershed has been affected by any of the following aquatic nuisances.
The
picture at the left is of Lythrum salicaria L, better known as Purple
Loosestrife. In the picture to the left it is just starting to flower
in the spring. Purple Loosestrife is considered an invasive species as
once it starts growing, it starts to replace the native vegetation.
For more information on this invasive species, click on the site below.
This is one of the things you will be looking for as you take your watershed survey.
http://www.uoguelph.ca/pdc/Factsheets/PlantID/PurpleLoosestrife.htm
The
picture to the right shows a stick that is full of Dreissena polymorpha
,more commonly known as Zebra Mussels.
When zebra mussels get into your lake they attach themselves to just about anything and grow huge colonies that have incredible appetites. There is no way known yet to get rid of this problem.
To check for this species on your survey you will need to look for items submerged in your lake. Look at the posts of a dock, pick up a large rock, or find other items that have been in the water for a while, and check for zebra mussels attached to the item.
For more information click on the site below:
http://www.glsc.usgs.gov/_files/factsheets/2000-6%20Zebra%20Mussels.pdf
The watershed Survey form is in MS Word format or PDF . Use the MS Word format if you are going to fill out the form electronically and e-mail as an attachment. Use the PDF Format if you are going to fill out the form by hand and mail it in.
Watershed Survey form: MS Word Version or PDF 7.0 Version
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times since 7/23/05
@Copyright 2005 Michigan Lakes and Streams Association