Annual Macro-invertebrate Survey

Upcoming 2024 Survey

The Macro-Invertebrate Survey (aka Bug Study) dates for 2024 are TBD. To volunteer or for more information, please contact us.

Macroinvertabrate surveys schedueld for 2024. If you are interested in volunteering please contact us!

  • Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9 am at Manistee Conservation District; with Tyler Dula, Conservation Tech.
  • Friday May 10, 2024, 10 am at Club M37; Mason-Lake Conservation District, with Symon Cronk, Biologist

2023 Results

The Macroinvertebrate Survey (aka Bug Study) for 2023 was completed in May and again in October. THANKS ALL VOLUNTEERS! YOU ARE SUPER COLLECTORS!

October update
We had a rainy fall after a very dry summer. Insect numbers varied somewhat but remain in the Very Good to Excellent range.

Changes coming in Water Quality Program testing for chemical, bacterial and physical characteristics: It has been our tradition to collect water samples annually to provide a snap-shot of the what we consider to be good indicators river health for the LMR. Joyce, our Water Quality Control Coordinator usually coordinates and carries out the program with the help of volunteers. This past summer, she was not able to complete the project due to unexpected events.  For the next season, we may change how we have been conducting the program to be more efficient, take advantage of some new technology, and still produce some meaningful data to satisfy our monitoring efforts. More on this in our Spring/Summer 2024 Newsletter. 

Rainy weather during our October testing
Symon from MLCD
Tyler from MCD

2023 project partners:

  • Sites 1-3: Manistee Conservation Dist. – Tyler Dula – Conservation Tech., Renee Mallison, Exe. Dir., www.manisteecd2.org
  • Sites 4-6: Mason-Lake Conservation District – Symon Cronk, Biologist, Dani McGarry, Dir., www.masonlakeconservation.org

2022 Results

The Macroinvertebrate Survey (aka Bug Study) for 2022 was completed in both May and October.

Download the full report: 2022-2016 Macro-Survey LMWCC

* New calculation method applied going forward.
Stream Quality Score Rating using the MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitor Program standards:
EXCELLENT= 0.0-3.50 VERY GOOD = 3.51-4.50 GOOD = 4.51-5.50 FAIR = 5.51-6.50 FAIR/POOR = 6.51-7.50 POOR 7.51-8.50 VERY POOR = 8.51-10.0

2022 project partners:

  • Sites 1-3
    • Manistee Conservation Dist. – Chelsea Cooper, Cons. Tech., Alicia Symanski, WQ Intern, Renee Mallison, Dir., www.manisteecd2.org
  • Sites 4-6
    • Mason-Lake Conservation District – Abbey Hull, Cons. Intern, Dani McGarry, Dir., www.mason-lakeconservation.org
    • Mecosta & Osceola-Lake Conservation District – Asst. – Mark Sweppenheiser, Dist. Mgr, Alex Svoboda, MAEAP Tech., www.mecostacd.org
    • LMWCC – Joyce Durdel, WQ Coord., Armas Soorus, Pres., Wayne Anderson, Proj. Coord., Jim Squier, V. Pres., www.lmwcc.org

LMWCC – MCD/MLCD Interns. Tech 2021/2022

  • Abbey Hull
  • Alicia Symanski
  • Chelsea Cooper

Memories from past studies

Previous reports

VSMP Stream Report 2021 – Chelsea Cooper, Manistee Conservation District