Study explores connections between land management, water quality, and human response in lake catchments

As many of us prepare to travel to lakes and other bodies of water this summer for relaxation and recreation, now is the perfect time to consider what we can do to help protect the lakes we love.

Scientists have long studied the ecological impact of humans on lakes, but a new study led by researchers at Virginia Tech explores how those ecological impacts can cycle back to affect humans. The study, published in the journal Ecosphere, offers a new model for those invested in protecting and maintaining lakes.

“Lakes provide so much in terms of drinking water, recreation, aesthetic value, and more,” said Kelly Cobourn, assistant professor of water resource policy in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment, and project lead. “People derive a lot of value from connecting with lakes. We also understand that humans degrade the quality of lakes with some of the choices they make...    ...more

Ken Notes: I would suggest we need to step back and look at this from a larger perspective. We are quick to point fingers and assign blame, but we often fail to adopt a team approach to real workable solutions. We need to focus on restoration, recreation, and prevention moving forward. And, we need to do this with farmers, businesses, and communities at the table.

The Madison lakes could be a perfect classroom on how to get this done, I would suggest the twin cities did a nice job...