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• <br />• <br />• <br />The sediments in this shallow area of the lake are very fine mud. Pulling a water quality <br />device called a secchi disk from the bottom in this area of the lake results in a large cloud <br />of black sediment rising to the surface. High -speed boats in this shallow water suspends <br />those sediments causing nutrients to enter the water column (These nutrients would <br />normally stay in the sediments). Water quality is diminished when nutrients and <br />sediments spread throughout the water column. <br />Water clarity (visibility) in Peltier Lake in 2000 through 2002 was noticeable poor. Task <br />Force members noted that visibility in the lake was better in 2003 then in the three <br />previous seasons. It was noted in the November Task Force meeting that a preliminary <br />review of the water quality data on file for this lake indicated a marked increase in <br />phosphorus levels in Peltier Lake first recorded in July 1998. <br />The effect of the no -wake zone in reducing boat speed and the consequent impacts to <br />water quality and aquatic vegetation seem positive as evidenced by the improving <br />ecology of the lake and the behavior of the herons and egrets. Preliminary information <br />from the 2003 season indicates noticeable improvements in water quality with the no- <br />wake zone in place. Further monitoring and assessment will continue in 2004 and <br />beyond. <br />Prepared by Joan Galli, MN DNR and Task Force members <br />11/03 <br />