Minnesota lakes get checkup from space

[Hamilton Reef]

I think this would be a neat idea for Michigan if it works out for Minnesota.

Minnesota lakes get checkup from space

ST. PAUL - Using satellite imaging and local volunteers, a group of scientists at the University of Minnesota are studying the health of Minnesota's 10,469 lakes.

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/4934579.htm

[Hamilton Reef]

Hmmm, first Minnesota then Wisconsin. Maybe I better check if Michigan is on the list for this project.

Researchers use satellites to monitor Wisconsin lakes

http://www.startribune.com/stories/568/3595478.html

[Hamilton Reef]

Well, here is 1 of 2 very informative emails sent to me today. I'll post them separately for easier reading.

Tom,

I received this note through a student at Michigan State University:

****************
Does anyone know if this type of project is being proposed for Michigan lakes? If so by whom? Thanks

Minnesota lakes get checkup from space
ST. PAUL - Using satellite imaging and local volunteers, a group of scientists at the University of Minnesota are studying the health of Minnesota's 10,469 lakes.
http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/d...ews/4934579.htm

And also:
Researchers use satellites to monitor Wisconsin lakes
http://www.startribune.com/stories/568/3595478.html

Tom Hamilton, White Lake PAC
***************

The short answer is "Yes." The USGS and MDEQ worked with Michigan State Univ's CGCEO (center for global change and earth observations - until recently BSRSI) on a project coordinated with the two groups you link to above.

Visit http://resac.gis.umn.edu/water/

Then click on "Regional Water Clarity"

Then click on the "Michigan" link.

I was the project manager for the MSU portion of the Upper Great Lakes Regional Earth Science Applications Center (RESAC) when I worked for Michigan State University (1999-2002). I am now at the University of Wisconsin-Madison doing much the same thing for ERSC (I'm closely involved with the work described in the press release above).

Minnesota and Wisconsin developed a protocol for assessing lake water clarity with satellite imagery. In Michigan, we were applying that protocol to Michigan's lakes. Since I left (in July) I believe the effort has essentially stopped. However, it could be revitalized with the right combination of people and funding. It takes about three summers of good satellite imagery to build a good statewide map.

I'm copying this note to our USGS contact person.

Cheers,

Dr. Samuel A. Batzli
Historical & Cultural Geographer &
Geographic Information Scientist
Environmental Remote Sensing Center
Institute for Environmental Studies
University of Wisconsin - Madison
(608) 263-3126
http://www.ersc.wisc.edu

[Hamilton Reef]

Here is the #2 of 2 emails I received today.

Mr. Hamilton:

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is working with the U.S. Geological Survey-Michigan District and the Michigan State University-Basic Science and Remote Sensing Initiative to evaluate the applicability of this technology to Michigan's inland lakes. Researchers at MSU have collaborated with scientists from Minnesota and Wisconsin through the Regional Earth Sciences Application Center to apply this technology to lakes across the upper mid-west region. The remote sensing protocol was tested on 90 lakes in Michigan last year and a preliminary model was developed. This model will be further tested with data collected this year and hopefully validated for statewide application.

Ralph Bednarz
MDEQ- Water Division
P.O. Box 30273
Lansing, MI 48909

517-335-4211 Fax: 517-335-4381

"Quality Service for a Quality Environment"

[Hamilton Reef]

Email #3 just showed up with more details.

Just because you're gone doesn't mean we're not working on it. Just means we had to shuffle the team around a little bit and train some new folks. It's now a USGS/MDEQ project. With a little luck we'll have the entire lower peninsula and some of the UP done this spring (using fall 2002 data).

Our plans for the summer include trying to deal with bottom reflectance and chlorophyll.

Steve