1. A closer look at the geography, history, and science of our grand next door neighbor…

2. Let’s “dig” into the geography…  Formation: Originally from glacial movement over 10,000 years ago  Region: Eastern Ridges and Lowlands  County: Racine  Latitude: 42 degrees North  Longitude: 88 degrees West  Depth range: 0 – 50 feet  Bottom conditions: variety of sand, peat, gravel, rubble, muck, stumps and snags

3. SPECIES OF FISH abundantcommonrare/none Muskiex Northern Pike x Walleyex Large Mouth Bass x Small Mouth Bass x Pan fish x Troutx

4. DEPTH MAP

5. Let’s check out the DNR EEK! Website

6. HISTORICAL TOUR OF WIND LAKE AREA

7. Observing the Lake through a Scientific Lens  Why do scientists study water? For preservation of existing plant/animal species For preservation of existing plant/animal species For discovery of new plant/animal species For discovery of new plant/animal species To find links between the water cycle and climate change To find links between the water cycle and climate change To understand how certain diseases are carried through water and what can be done to treat (clean) the water To understand how certain diseases are carried through water and what can be done to treat (clean) the water Can you think of any other reasons??? Can you think of any other reasons???

8. Observing the Lake through a Scientific Lens  How was Wind Lake used in the past? Primary food and water source for Native Americans Primary food and water source for Native Americans Primary food and water source for explorers and early Norwegian settlers Primary food and water source for explorers and early Norwegian settlers  How is Wind Lake used now? Primary as recreation: boating, skiing, swimming, catch & release fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating Secondary as food source for residents ( and non- residents): bag limit fishing for pan and game fish, duck, goose, pheasant, and deer hunting on and around lake area

9. What will we, as Scientists, get to study at the lake?  Station #1: Collection of water samples in vials at waters edge Collection of water samples in vials at waters edge Pier observation for invasive species Pier observation for invasive species  Station #2: pH testing with test strips pH testing with test strips pH of water is important to know because all aquatic life is affected by it pH of water is important to know because all aquatic life is affected by it changes in pH can occur both naturally and by people changes in pH can occur both naturally and by people  Station # 3: Observations Write results of pH testing as well as observations in written and diagram form of what water looks like in vials  Station # 4: Lake description Describe with detail, either in written or drawing/sketch form how the lake looks from your point of view

10. What is pH anyway???  (cool h2ou student tip: to remember what pH is, think of the term "pH" as positive Hydrogen).  The pH scale ranges from 0 (high concentration of positive hydrogen ions, strongly acidic) to 14 (high concentration of negative hydroxide ions, strongly basic). In pure water, the concentration of positive hydrogen ions is in equilibrium with the concentration of negative hydroxide ions, and the pH measures exactly 7.  In a lake or pond, the water’s pH is affected by its age and the chemicals discharged by communities and industries. Most lakes are basic (alkaline) when they are first formed and become more acidic with time due to the build-up of organic materials. As organic substances decay, carbon dioxide (CO2) forms and combines with water to produce a weak acid, called "carbonic" acid — the same stuff that’s in carbonated soft drinks. Large amounts of carbonic acid lower water’s pH.  Most fish can tolerate pH values of about 5.0 to 9.0, but serious anglers look for waters between pH 6.5 and 8.2. The vast majority of American rivers, lakes and streams fall within this range, though acid rain has compromised many bodies of water in our environment.

11. Table 5. Effects of pH on fish and aquatic life pH value Effects observed under research MinMa x 3.810. 0 Fish eggs could be hatched, but deformed young were often produced. 4.010.1Limits for the most resistant fish species. 4.19.5Range tolerated by trout. 4.3--Carp died in five days. 4.59.0Trout eggs and larvae develop normally. 4.69.5Limits for perch. 5.0--Limits for stickleback fish. 5.09.0Tolerable range for most fish. --8.7Upper limit for good fishing waters. 5.411.4Fish avoided waters beyond these limits. 6.07.2Optimum (best) range for fish eggs. 1.0--Mosquito larvae were destroyed at this pH value. 3.34.7Mosquito larva lived within this range. 7.58.4Best range for the growth of algae.

12. Those icky invasive species  Zebra Mussel: Reproduce in very large numbers Reproduce in very large numbers No getting rid of them once colonies are established No getting rid of them once colonies are established Carried on boats, ships and motors from lake to lake Carried on boats, ships and motors from lake to lake Clog water intake structures – threatens public water supply Clog water intake structures – threatens public water supply Cost to Great Lakes from 1993-1999: over 3 BILLION dollars! Cost to Great Lakes from 1993-1999: over 3 BILLION dollars!

13. Those icky invasive species  Curly Leaf Pondweed: Perennial – plants re-grow every year and form colonies Perennial – plants re-grow every year and form colonies Grows in thick beds that out-compete native aquatic plants Grows in thick beds that out-compete native aquatic plants Interferes with boating, fishing, skiing, and other water activities Interferes with boating, fishing, skiing, and other water activities Carried on boats, ships, and motors from lake to lake Carried on boats, ships, and motors from lake to lake Can be managed through raking, cutting, and herbicides Can be managed through raking, cutting, and herbicides

14. Those icky invasive species  Eurasian Water Milfoil: Also perennial; worst aquatic weed in US; in almost every state Also perennial; worst aquatic weed in US; in almost every state Grows in thick beds that out-compete native aquatic plants Grows in thick beds that out-compete native aquatic plants Interferes with boating, fishing, skiing, and other water activities Interferes with boating, fishing, skiing, and other water activities Carried on boats, ships, and motors from lake to lake Carried on boats, ships, and motors from lake to lake Can be managed through raking, cutting, herbicides, and insects Can be managed through raking, cutting, herbicides, and insects

15. Those icky invasive species  Purple Loosestrife: Also perennial; an herb that was introduced in 1800’s for decorative and medicinal purposes Also perennial; an herb that was introduced in 1800’s for decorative and medicinal purposes Expands and replaces native grasses, flowering and wetland plants also affecting water quality in these areas Expands and replaces native grasses, flowering and wetland plants also affecting water quality in these areas Carried and multiplied by pollination Carried and multiplied by pollination Can be managed through weed pulling, seed trapping, and herbicides Can be managed through weed pulling, seed trapping, and herbicides

16. Sources  Wisconsin Conservation Department  Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources  Norway Historical Society  googlemaps.com  www.h20u.com www.h20u.com  pinemountainlake.com  U.S. Forest Service (LTBMU)  www.nps.gov/plants