2021-07-01 Duckweed on Sugarloaf Phil Burkart (4).jpeg

Our Path to Recovery

LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR A CLEANER GREEN LAKE: A DECADE OF SCIENCE & COLLABORATION

Since Green Lake was listed as impaired in 2014, the Green Lake Association has been building a science-based, partnership-driven strategy to tackle the phosphorus challenge. Through cutting-edge research, strategic planning, and collaborative action, we’ve laid the groundwork for real solutions.

Green Lake Association Our Path To Recovery Icons-01.webp

Watershed Studies

Green Lake Association Our Path To Recovery Icons-02.webp

$1.1 Million

Green Lake Association Our Path To Recovery Icons.png

Science Advisory Panel

From watershed studies and nutrient research to securing over $1.1 million in grants and assembling a Science Advisory Panel, each milestone has been a step toward restoring the lake’s health. Looking ahead, continued scientific inquiry and targeted phosphorus reduction efforts will shape the future of Green Lake’s water quality. 

TIMELINE OF KEY STUDIES & STRATEGIC MILESTONES

USING WHAT WE'VE LEARNED

For years, efforts to clean up Green Lake focused on reducing phosphorus runoff from the surrounding land. But new science has made it clear: we need to do more—and fast.

Land-based Reductions Aren’t Enough

We’ve invested in best management practices (BMPs) like stream restorations and farm nutrient management, but phosphorus levels in the lake remain stubbornly high. Research shows that even the most aggressive land-based reductions won’t get us to the clean water we need.

The Lake is Cycling Its Own Phosphorus

Scientists discovered that Green Lake isn’t just taking in phosphorus from the watershed—it’s releasing phosphorus from within. Legacy phosphorus stored in lake sediments cycles back into the water, fueling algae growth and poor water quality, even as we work to reduce new pollution.

Waiting Decades Isn’t an Option

Because Green Lake holds water for 15 years before it fully flushes out, phosphorus that enters today will stick around for a long time. If we only rely on land-based solutions, we may never reach our phosphorus reduction goals.

Sequestration is Our Next Step

To speed up phosphorus removal, we’re turning to proven science-based solutions that can trap, intercept, or neutralize phosphorus before it fuels algae blooms. These strategies—like capturing phosphorus in wetlands and inactivating sediment pollution—will work alongside BMPs to make a real impact, faster.

If you’d like to support the cause of restoring Green Lake and join our efforts to get phosphorus under control, please consider making a donation today.

DONATE NOW