National Lakes Assessment

EPA is working with states, tribes and others to survey the quality of the nation’s lakes, ponds and reservoirs.

• Introduction
• National Lakes Assessment Conferences and Workshops
• National Lakes Assessment Planning Project (NLAPP)
• Background Material

Introduction

EPA and its partners are conducting a survey of the nation's lakes, ponds and reservoirs. This National Lakes Asssessment is designed to help us to provide statistically valid regional and national estimates of the condition of lakes. It use a probability-based sampling design to represent the condition of all lakes in similar regions sharing similar ecological characteristics. Consistent sampling and analytical procedures ensure that the results can be compared across the country. The National Lakes Assessment will also help build state and tribal capacity for monitoring and assessment and promote collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries in the assessment of water quality.

If you have questions or comments on the National Lakes Assessment, please feel free to e-mail us at: lakessurvey@epa.gov.

• Survey of the Nation’s Lakes: A Fact Sheet for Communities - May 2007 (PDF) (2 pp, 113K, About PDF)
• Survey of the Nation’s Lakes - Introductory Fact Sheet - Nov. 2006 (PDF) (2 pp, 723K, About PDF)
• Site Selection for the Survey of the Nation’s Lakes - Technical Fact Sheet - April 2006 | PDF version (2 pp, 197K, About PDF)
• FINAL Survey of the Nation's Lakes Field Operations Manual - 2007 - EPA 841-B-07-004 (PDF) (104 pp, 9.6MB, About PDF)
• DRAFT Survey of the Nation's Lakes Quality Assurance Plan - 2007 - EPA 841-B-07-003 (PDF) (128 pp, 1.6MB, About PDF)
• Information on Section 106 of the CWA
  States will receive funding under section 106 to conduct the Lake Survey

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National Lakes Assessment Conferences and Workshops

April 29 - May 2, 2008 - 21st Annual National Conference: Enhancing the States' Lake Management Programs: Building Partnerships for Improved Fisheries and Lake Water Quality

Copies of PowerPoint presentations from this meeting are now available. The main focus of this meeting was integrating fisheries and water quality management. Updates on the status of the National Lakes Assessment were provided.

Nov. 9, 2006 (8:30 am-12:00) -- Workshop on the National Lakes Survey
at the NALMS’ International Symposium in Indianapolis, IN

On Nov. 9, 2006, EPA’s Monitoring Branch co-sponsored a 1/2 day workshop (8:30am - 12:00) on the National Lakes Survey at the Annual NALMS’ International Symposium in Indianapolis, IN. The Workshop provided an update for an update from EPA and members of the State Steering Committee on the National Lakes Survey including the lake evaluation process, indicators selected for the Survey, and field protocols. It also provided an opportunity for comment on the Draft Field Operations Manual.

• Agenda for Nov. 9, 2006, Workshop on the Survey of Nation’s Lake
• Copies of Workshop Presentations

April 25-28, 2006 - National Conference on "Planning a Survey of the Nation’s Lakes"
Chicago, IL

On April 25-28, 2006, EPA’s Monitoring Branch co-sponsored a meeting in Chicago with 140 lakes experts, including representatives from 45 states, to plan the Lakes Survey. The meeting was also cosponsored by the Chicago Botanic Garden and the North American Lake Management Society. The meeting focused on the indicators and field protocols for the Survey. Participants at the meeting were invited to share their perspectives to help guide the scope and implementation of the Survey. At the meeting, EPA provided packets to states (and tribes) identifying a preliminary list of sites that will be sampled in the summer of 2007 (see technical fact sheet on Site Selection for the Survey of the Nation’s Lakes.

• Announcement, Agenda and Registration Form for April 25-28, 2006 Conference (PDF)
  (7 pp, 200K, About PDF)
• Copies of Conference Presentations

Nov. 10, 2005 - Workshop on Survey of the Nation’s Lakes in Madison, WI

A workshop on the Survey of the Nation's Lakes was held at the North American Lake Management Society’s (NALMS) Annual Symposium in Madison, WI. EPA facilitated this 1/2 day workshop to discuss the broad scope of the Lakes Survey. Speakers included representatives from EPA Headquarters’ Monitoring Branch, EPA’s Office of Research and Development and a representative from the State of Vermont. At the workshop, EPA reviewed options and sought input on specific recommendations for defining the population of lakes, ponds and reservoirs that should be included in the Lakes Survey. These recommendations will contribute to the design and selection of sample locations.

• Agenda for Nov. 10, 2005, 1:30-5:15 pm Workshop on the Survey of Nation's Lake
• Copies of Workshop Presentations

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National Lakes Assessment Planning Project (NLAPP)

• Notice of FY 2005 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the National Lakes Assessment Planning Project (NLAPP) (PDF) (20 pp, 122K, About PDF) On March 3, 2005, EPA issued a request for proposals for applicants to participate in designing a national lakes assessment project. The pilot projects that were selected will generate results that will be considered at future meetings of lake assessment practitioners and will help shape recommendations for future studies to assess the conditions of lakes at multiple scales and produce statistically-valid results at a national scale. Proposals were due no later than 11:59 pm on April 17, 2005.

• Abstracts/General Information Re. Projects Selected in 2005 for the National Lakes Assessment Planning Project (NLAPP)

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Background Material

• Wadeable Streams Assessment
• National Wetland Condition Assessment
• National Coastal Condition Report
• Probability Surveys of the Nation’s Waters
• Level II Ecoregion maps
  • Click here for EMAP Ecoregions of North America Web site
  • Click here for full size Level II Ecoregion map (PDF) (1 pg, 888K, About PDF)
• For more information on designing a probability-based study, visit: http://www.epa.gov/nheerl/arm/

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