Volunteer water clarity monitoring is easy and fun! The Citizen Lake Monitoring Program (CLMP) and the Citizen Stream Monitoring Program (CSMP) are cooperative programs that coordinate the efforts of citizen monitoring volunteers with the data needs of the MPCA, which contribute to assessing, planning, and managing watershed health. Water clarity data, coupled with site observations collected by lake and stream volunteers are used to better understand the current and evolving condition of the state’s water resources. Volunteer contributions to the datasets are used to assess watershed health and guide the restoration and protection strategies planning process. All monitoring equipment is provided by the MPCA, and no prior experience or training is necessary. To become a valued water resources volunteer and contribute to the watershed health planning process in a tangible and meaningful way, check out the map for available lake and stream sites and submit an enrollment form:

Map of CLMP & CSMP Locations
Lake Enrollment Form
Stream Enrollment Form