Gloeotrichia Quick Links Gloeotrichia (pronounced “glee-oh-tricky-ah”) echinulata is a colonial bluegreen algae that forms tiny spheres, which can be seen without magnification in lake water. “Gloeo” has been known to exist in Maine lakes for many years, but it has typically been observed in late summer, in relatively low densities. However, during the past decade, Gloeo appears to […]
Metaphyton Quick Links Metaphyton is a term used to describe free-floating, filamentous algae typically observed in shallow littoral areas of lakes, where it can become entangled in the stems of rooted aquatic plants (macrophytes). Metaphyton is often characterized as having the appearance of “green cotton candy.” This filamentous algae has relatively little substance, as anyone
Other Lake Phenomena Quick Links Other Lake Phenomena There are many factors besides water quality and invasive aquatic species that can affect lake health, and the LSM helps train volunteer citizen scientists to monitors and track a number of these. Below are brief descriptions of other types of lake health indicators and links to more information.
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Water Quality Certification Process Quick Links What Volunteers Do LSM volunteers are trained and certified to collect scientific water quality data of the highest integrity. Each monitor completes an initial training workshop and is recertified regularly to ensure accuracy and consistency. All monitors use a Secchi disk and view scope to measure water clarity. Some
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Ice-In & Ice-Out Tracking Quick Links Ice-In & Ice-Out Tracking Please help the Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) track ice-in and ice-out dates for your lake! Submit your ice-in and ice-out dates using our online ice coverage submission form. For more information on the designations “ice-in” and “ice-out” and how to properly identify theme, please see
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Cyanobacteria Quick Links Water clarity is the most highly valued lake attribute in Maine.1 One likely effect of a warming climate on lakes will be an overall increase in the abundance of algae in lake water, resulting in declining clarity. As lake water warms, the conditions for algal growth are generally enhanced. Of particular concern is
Water Quality Monitoring Quick Links Together, We Protect Maine’s Lakes Join the powerful movement of hundreds of trained volunteers keeping our waters healthy and clear through water quality monitoring and stewardship. Every summer, hundreds of trained and certified community scientists work with Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) to collect vital, high-quality data about lake conditions.
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