Lake Guardian

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency vessel, Lake Guardian, is the home for 20 middle- and high-school teachers as they spend a week on Lake Superior. It is part of the "Ecology of the Great Lakes" Institute sponsored by Michigan Tech and the Copper Country Intermediate School District, through the Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education.

The institute's goal is to enhance the ability of educators to teach about Lake Superior and Great Lakes ecology.

The EPA uses the Lake Guardian to gather data concerning the chemical and biological conditions of the first Great Lakes and to monitor pollutant concentrations. It is fitted with state-of-the-art navigational, laboratory and mechanical equipment.

As part of its long-term trends program, the EPA conducts monitoring surveys of the Great Lakes every two years. During each survey, samples are taken at from eight to 20 pre-established locations (stations) in each lake.

Dean Woodbeck (woodbeck@mtu.edu) 7/9/02