Lake Monitoring Report 2002-2005

Seger, Emily; Gawley, William; Breen, Robert

'Abstract: This report outlines the goals, objectives, and methods of the Acadia National Park lake monitoring program, and summarizes the data collected in the 2002 through 2005 seasons. Field measurements and water samples were taken monthly at ten park lakes from May though October each year, providing data for a variety of water quality parameters that can serve as indicators for the effects of atmospheric deposition, cultural eutrophication, and climate changes. The monitoring data indicates that the lakes recovered from the effects of the 2001 drought in 2002. Secchi transparency and lake water levels followed the precipitation trends of the seasons. Dissolved oxygen, pH, acid neutralizing capacity, and nutrients all generally appeared to be relatively stable with concentrations generally within the historical range of variability for these lakes. Although no statistical analyses were performed in this report to determine long-term data trends, a primary recommendation is that such analysis be conducted to enhance the understanding of the current condition of the parkÆs aquatic resources.' 'Recommendations: 1) Consider more thorough investigation of nutrient (TP, TN) concentrations and sources in eutrophication group of lakes. Examine the relationship between precipitation and nutrient levels to determine the relative contributions of direct deposition and runoff to lakes. 2) Collect light profiles only in lakes too shallow for Secchi disk readings. Although shallow lake was profiled once in 2005, increasing sampling frequency in future years would provide a more statistically robust sample size. 3) Obtain a comprehensive statistical analysis of the first 10 years of lake monitoring data collected using current protocols to determine if the current monitoring strategy will provide the data necessary to determine long-term trends in key water monitoring parameters. (Technical Assistance Request for this task was submitted to NPS Water Resources Division September 2005) 4) Obtain a formal evaluation of the draft lake monitoring protocols to determine if they represent a reasonable and cost effective basis for a æcoreÆ long-term freshwater monitoring program. . (Technical Assistance Request for this task was submitted to NPS Water Resources Division September 2005) 5) Continue to integrate lake monitoring data with information obtained from other aquatic monitoring and research conducted at ANP in order to better understand the current condition of the freshwater resources, as well as their responses to environmental variability and anthropogenic threats.' Appendix A is water chemistry data 2002-2005; Appendix B is weekly lake stage and precipitation graphs 2002-2005; Appendix C is transparency graphs 1980-2005; Appendix D is dissolved oxygen and temperature graphs 1995-2005; Appendix E is nutrient and chlorophyll a graphs 1996-2005; Appendix F is light penetration and attenuation graphs 2002-2005; Appendix G pH and acid neutralizing capacity graphs 1996-2005; /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/Echo Lake/Long Pond/Seal Cove Pond/Witch Hole Pond/ Eagle Lake/Bubble Pond/The Bowl/Jordan Pond/Sargent Mtn Pond/Upper Hadlock/