Training open for Michigan Clean Water Corps

Enrollment, training open for Michigan Clean Water Corps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program

The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps), a network of volunteer monitoring programs that collect and share surface water quality data statewide, is accepting enrollments for the 2023 Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP) season. Volunteer training will take place in person May 5, 2023, or online May 9, 2023.

CLMP volunteers monitor water quality, invasive species, and habitat conditions in Michigan lakes. Volunteers receive detailed instructions, training, and equipment, and the data they collect are added to the MiCorps Data Exchange, a public database that includes CLMP lake information dating back to 1974.

Interested volunteers are encouraged to enroll early, as some program options have March enrollment deadlines. Other options allow enrollment into May and into the summer. Details can be found on the CLMP Enrollment Web page.

There is no cost to attend either the May 5 in-person training or May 9 online training, although registration is required. The in-person training will take place concurrently with the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association annual conference May 5-6 at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan, but conference attendance is not required. Training is required for new volunteers, and experienced volunteers are always welcome. Anyone interested in learning more about the CLMP is invited to participate regardless of their intent to enroll a lake and conduct monitoring this year.

Direct questions about the CLMP to Erick Elgin, Michigan State University Extension, at 218-340-5731 or [email protected]; or Tamara Lipsey, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), at 517-342-4372 or [email protected].

EGLE established MiCorps in 2004 to engage the public in collecting water quality data for use in water resources management and protection programs. MiCorps is sponsored by EGLE and is administered in partnership with Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, and the Huron River Watershed Council.

To stay up to date on other EGLE news, follow us at Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment.