On July 14, 1993, a survey of Lost Lake, located in the Pigeon River State Forest in Otsego County, Michigan was executed. The survey was completed by members of the University of Michigan Biological Station's Limnology class under the direction of Dr. Nancy Tuchman. The chemical, physical, and nutritional properties of the lake were determined at this time and in the following laboratory analysis. Temperature and dissolved oxygen stratifications were determined. Conductivity was uniform throughout the water column, indicating that Lost Lake is no longer meromictic. The average pH value was 7.4 suggesting relatively high alkalinity. Ammonia, nitrate, silica, magnesium, calcium and phosphate concentrations were determined by laboratory analysis and found to be typical of an oligotrophic, solution lake. The hardness values of Lost Lake are evidence of high calcium and magnesium concentrations. Light intensity was found to permeate very deep into the lake, with a compensation point located at 14 meters. Chlorophyll a values were low as expected for an oligotrophic lake. The Eckman dredge, plankton tows, and benthic sampling failed to produce high numbers of organisms. Based on these observations, we conclude that Lost Lake is no longer meromictic and is truly an oligotrophic lake.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/54485/1/2923.pd
