What is the relative importance of key stressors such as nutrients, bacteria and lakeshore development?
The Survey used a probability-based sampling design which will provide statistically valid estimates of the condition of all lakes that share similar physical characteristics. The Survey was not designed to provide individual lake assessments to address conditions at particular lakes. Nationally, 909 lakes, representing five size classes and distributed evenly across the lower 48 states, were included in the Survey. The lakes were selected randomly and included natural and man-made freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that were at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep and 10 acres in size. Initially, 29 Michigan lakes were randomly chosen as a part of the statistically-based national Survey. The DEQ added 21 additional randomly chosen lakes to the survey effort for a total of 50 Michigan lakes to allow for state-based assessment. Michigan’s Survey lakes ranged from an unnamed 10 acre “lake” in Clare Co. to 13,000 acre Gogebic Lake, Gogebic Co. The following water quality indicators were sam
