minnesota lake classes

[EricD]

In the dnr lakefinder I'll often see the expression "... compared to other class 25 lakes," but I can't find anyplace on the DNR HSOforum that explains what these classes mean. Does anyone know where one can find a description of the lake classes?

[Black_Bay]

This page: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/surveys.html kind of explains it a little. If you look at a map of the state lake class 1 lakes are in the far northeast part of the state. As you move southwest the lake classes move to the higher numbers. Basically the lower numbers are the deep, clear cold lakes and the larger numbers are lakes that are shallow, turbid and eutrophic.

[EricD]

Thanks. I'm hoping to find more detail. It seems that they refer to these lake classes frequently and there are so many of them, there would be a chart or something. I found a description of average depths and such but the reason for the classification seems hard to find.

[Adam Wolf]

Have at it...

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/fisheries/investigational_reports/417.pdf

[solbes]

Have at it...

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/fisheries/investigational_reports/417.pdf

Great find Adam! Kinda interesting read (skimming of course)

[Craigums]

Originally Posted By: Adam Wolf

Have at it...

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/fisheries/investigational_reports/417.pdf

Great find Adam! Kinda interesting read (skimming of course)

Not enough pictures for me...also it could use some pretty colors

[RK]

Hiya -

The paper Adam posted the link to is one of the most significant pieces of research there is in MN Fisheries, and its author, Denny Schupp, is a legend in the DNR's fisheries division.

The lake classification system has allowed the DNR to accurately compare bodies of water across the state in ways that would never have been possible without it. It's had huge implications for improved fisheries management.

It gets mentioned in kind of an offhand way in lake assessments, etc., and I don't think most anglers are even aware of it, but it's one of the most powerful analysis tools fisheries managers have at their disposal. From talking to many of them over the years, I know fisheries managers from other states are in awe of the lake classification system, and green with envy besides. It's a remarkable system.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[EricD]

Good stuff. I agree, it could use some pretty colors. I had been in touch with the DNR before I bought a little cabin up on Big Elbow. They had done a survey in 2009 and the results hadn't been published. He sent me the raw data and just recently sent me the completed report. They're really detailed. It's astounding how much effort goes into learning about these lakes.