The Crescent Lake Association has completed its Watershed Management Plan (WMP) for Crescent Lake, developed in partnership with Stone Environmental. This comprehensive assessment and action plan establishes a baseline for identifying the most effective and cost-efficient projects to protect and improve the lake’s water quality. The CLA Water Quality Group, CLA Board, and CLEAR Trust worked together to bring this important project to completion. The CLA contracted with Stone Environmental, and the CLEAR Trust generously funded 100% of the project through the support of community donors. 

 

Excessive stormwater runoff and sediment entering the lake can introduce nutrients that promote harmful algae blooms and unwanted aquatic vegetation. While Crescent Lake has not experienced these problems, nearby lakes have seen an increase in such issues in recent years. The goal of this plan is to take proactive steps to protect Crescent Lake and help ensure that it remains healthy for generations to come. 

 

The project began with a comprehensive assessment of the Crescent Lake watershed. In October 2024, engineers from Stone Environmental evaluated the shoreline and lake inlets, documenting erosion, bank instability, vegetation coverage, and other factors that could affect water quality. In November, they conducted a roads and streams assessment, walking the roads surrounding the lake to document culverts, areas of erosion, and characteristics of the larger intermittent streams that flow into the lake. 

 

Using data collected during these on-site assessments, along with historical water quality results, septic permits, and other relevant information, Stone Environmental developed a watershed inventory, evaluated potential sources of pollution, and identified recommended projects and actions. The completed plan includes an assessment of the anticipated water quality benefits and estimated costs associated with each recommendation. 

 

With the Watershed Management Plan now complete, Crescent Lake has a valuable roadmap for protecting its water quality. The next step is to prioritize and implement the recommended actions, allowing the CLA, and the community, to take a proactive approach to preserving the health and beauty of our lake. 

 

For more information about how Stone Environmental evaluated your waterfront property and its potential impact on Crescent Lake’s water quality, please contact the Water Quality Group at clwaterquality@gmail.com.