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Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network

The Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network (LWCBMN) was launched in fall 2015. Supported by LWF’s Science Advisory Council, this growing network engages citizen volunteers to collect water samples across Manitoba using scientifically vetted protocols. Samples are then analyzed in a lab to measure phosphorus concentration and calculate the amount of phosphorus begin exported off our landscapes.

While Lake Winnipeg receives its water from a vast watershed, not all areas of the watershed contribute equal amounts of phosphorus. By sampling frequently at many sites, LWCBMN is able to pinpoint phosphorus hotspots – areas that contribute a disproportionate amount of phosphorus to Lake Winnipeg.

Snow melts, floods and heavy rainfall events are responsible for most of the phosphorus that is flushed from the land into our waterways. Special care is taken by network staff and volunteers to ensure phosphorus runoff is captured during these high-water events. And, because these volunteers live, work or commute near their sampling sites, LWCBMN can quickly mobilize citizen scientists to collect samples when it matters most.

If you’re interested in volunteering with LWCBMN, email chelsea@lakewinnipegfoundation.org or call 204-956-0436.

USING LWCBMN DATA

LWCBMN data can be used by conservation districts, land managers and other decision-makers to more effectively target resources in phosphorus hotspots in order to get the best bang for our buck when it comes to phosphorus reduction.

Data can also be used to supplement and enrich existing federal and provincial data sets, deepen our understanding of water-quality trends, and monitor the impact of on-the-ground phosphorus-reduction and water-retention initiatives.

Multiple years of LWCBMN data are needed to identify trends over time and ensure we aren’t being misled by annual variation. All network partners are committed to expanding the network to build a multi-year data set for southern Manitoba.

WHAT WE’RE LEARNING

LWCBMN's citizen-generated data is providing valuable insights. The network has identified phosphorus hotspots, including ares with some of the highest phosphorus exports ever reported in Manitoba. LWCBMN is also learning that water flow matters - a finding which suggests that phosphorus loading to Lake Winnipeg can be reduced by replicating dry conditions in hotspot areas using natural wetlands, constructed ponds and dams.

LWCBMN's 2019 report 

Our LWCBMN report highlights what we learned from data collected during the 2019 sampling season.

LWCBMN 2019 REGIONAL REPORTS

Our regional reports provide a detailed look at data collected from each sampling region.

Past reports are available below:

LWCBMN's 2018 report
LWCBMN 2018 REGIONAL REPORTS

LWCBMN 2017 REGIONAL REPORTS

 

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