Portage County
Lake Classification aides in Smart Growth planning
Portage County is using lake classification in a multi-phase approach to aid their Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning efforts and resource management decisions. Phase 1 of the county’s lake classification study entailed initial data collection, including:
- Sampling and water quality analysis
- Studies of aquatic and near-shore plant and animal communities
- Establishing a historical water quality database and conducting lake modeling to assess water quality changes over time.
- GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping
- Evaluation of land use changes
- Development of informational materials about the county’s water resources.
Phase 2 of the county’s lake classification study completed data collection, developed a database, and compiled and summarized preliminary results for the county’s lakes. A water quality assessment and an algae survey were conducted in phase 3 of the County’s lake classification effort. Lastly, the fourth phase of the county’s lake classification effort includes:
- Surveys of aquatic plant communities and shorelands (vegetation types around each lake were mapped)
- Studies of fisheries, birds, amphibians and reptiles
- Groundwater flow assessments
- GIS data integration
- Project coordination
- Developing a final report and educational materials.
Results of these efforts are being incorporated into a comprehensive Portage County Lakes Study and distilled into summaries (individual lake summaries of the data collected) to inform town plan commissions, the Portage County Comprehensive Planning Committee, lake groups, community citizens, and others.
Information from the lakes study is being used in community land use planning efforts and to guide county land use decisions. The County will also use the lakes study to assess similarities/differences and categorize lakes accordingly in order to make specific recommendations for each category. Lake groups are using the county lakes study to provide direction, focus their goals, and initiate lake plans.
Portage County Lakes Study (exits site)
