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Lake Monitoring


The PLEON monitoring program is analogous to a medical check up. Routine medical check ups allow your doctor to develop a record of your unique biology. Doctors rely on this medical history to diagnose problems and formulate a treatment plan. Lakes are complex ecosystems, each with their own unique characteristics. Managing them responsibly requires a good "medical history".

PLEON offers routine monitoring of physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of lakes in the Pocono region. We have a variety of pre-formulated sampling packages as well as a selection of individual variables, allowing lake associations to develop a sampling regimen that best fits the needs of their lake.

​For more information on why certain things are monitored, visit our Lake Science page!

Sampling Details and Rates

PLEON offers a variety of pre-formulated sampling packages as well sampling of a selection of individual variables, allowing lake associations to develop a sampling regimen that best fits the needs of their lake. 

Some example sampling plans include:

Introductory Package: PLEON will conduct a single sampling effort providing a “snap shot” of your lake. This is a good option for those who are just starting to monitor their lake or for lakes with no outstanding management challenges. This package includes the following:
  • Secchi depth – measurement of lake transparency
  • Depth profile – light, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity are measured every ½ meter (in shallower lakes) to 1 meter (in deeper lakes) of depth to characterize the physical structure of the water column 
  • Nutrients – Total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations measured from 2 replicate samples at each of 3 depths 
  • Chlorophyll – Two replicate samples measured at each of 3 depths
  • PTOX screening – presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria assessed in 2 surface samples

Routine Sampling Package: PLEON will conduct regular sampling on a customizable schedule as determined by the lake association’s needs. Typical routines include once or twice a month during late spring/summer. This package is ideal for lakes with on-going management issues (e. g. toxic algal blooms, nutrient enrichment). This package includes:
  • Secchi depth – measurement of lake transparency
  • Depth profile – light, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity are measured every ½ meter (in shallower lakes) to 1 meter (in deeper lakes) of depth to characterize the physical structure of the water column
  • Chlorophyll – Two replicate samples measured at each of 3 depths 
  • PTOX screening – presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria assessed in 2 surface samples

PTOX Mini-analysis Package: This package is ideal for those concerned about toxic algal blooms who want to monitor for toxic algae in their lake. This package includes:
  • Depth profile – light, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity are measured every ½ meter (in shallower lakes) to 1 meter (in deeper lakes) of depth to characterize the physical structure of the water column 
  • PTOX screening – presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria assessed in 2 surface samples

2018 monitoring rates can be found here. Rates are adjusted to reflect customized plans.

For additional information, quotes for service, or to schedule sampling, please contact:
Beth Norman, Chief Scientist and Director of PLEON
94 Sanctuary Rd, Lake Ariel, PA 18436
570-689-9494
beth.norman@lacawac.org


The 2017-2018 PLEON Lake Monitoring Data Summary can be found here.

Lacawac Hours:  Open to the public sunrise to sunset

LACAWAC SANCTUARY
94 Sanctuary Road
Lake Ariel, PA 18436
570.689.9494
info@lacawac.org

Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station and Environmental Education Center is an independent, non-profit, environmental education organization located on the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack in the Northern Poconos.  We operate solely on program fees, memberships, sponsorships, grants and private donations from people like you.
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Major Business Sponsors 2022

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