Achieve Beautiful Water

You have a vision for your waterbody, but achieving it isn’t always easy. Weeds, algae, muck, bad odors, and crumbling shorelines can be frustrating for decision-makers and disappointing for people who rely on them. Finding a partner with the knowledge and expertise to execute your goals can get – and keep – your waterbody on the path to success. A Certified Lake Manager is an excellent choice to be your guide. 

Certified Lake Managers (CLM) are directly involved in managing ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and other waterbodies, as well as their watersheds. CLMs make recommendations for implementing best practices for overall water quality to the groups responsible for them, whether that is a government body, homeowners association, golf course, private property owner, or commercial business.

But what makes them ‘certified’? In the freshwater management industry, certification comes from the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), which ensures all CLMs serve with maximum competency by enforcing the following requirements.

• Minimum of two years of full-time employment that meets the basic definition of a Certified Lake Manager
• Courses from accredited colleges or universities allow for the following:
  • Understanding of the elements and functions of lake and pond systems training in disciplines directly related to aquatic science or engineering
  • Understanding of watershed features and processes which affect lakes, including training in the technical aspects of watersheds
  • Ability to communicate concepts, findings, and recommendations to interest groups and governing organizations
  • Knowledge of the principles of business and management
  • Working knowledge of the governmental and legal frameworks as well as familiarity with the policies that affect lake management, including the processes for formulating and implementing laws and regulations

To stay in compliance, CLMs are required to maintain thorough qualifications put forth by NALMS demonstrating that they have in-depth, up-to-date knowledge of aquatic systems, watershed features, business management, communications, and the legal environment surrounding aquatic resources, similar to Board Certification in the medical industry. That’s a lot – and much of this evolves as science progresses over time. Because CLMs undergo continuous education and have access to like-minded groups, they are able to stay abreast of emerging data and technology.

First, you have to ask, “What’s a watershed?”. A watershed is an area of land that channels water flow to all the bodies of water within it, eventually to outflow points like bays or an ocean. These waterbodies can include:

• Creeks
• Streams
• Rivers
• Lakes
• Canals
• Reservoirs

Unfortunately, there are many threats that can dismantle the natural balance of any aquatic ecosystem. Many of these relate to urban development and harmful cultural practices such as the overuse of lawn and garden fertilizers, failure to properly dispose of yard and pet waste, and replacing land with residential communities, shopping centers, and roads that prevent the natural drainage of rainfall into the ground. As a result, nearby lakes and ponds are inundated with increased levels of undesirable nutrients, accelerating their overall rate of “aging.”

Annual management plans are instrumental for identifying problems and threats to water resources, and guiding managers, policymakers, and community organizations that oversee these valuable water resources. 

Management programs are also helpful for individual waterbodies experiencing recurring issues, as these may be triggered by upstream watershed issues. Often, these recurring challenges are symptomatic of overarching problems affecting the watershed as a whole. By just treating the symptoms, like aquatic weeds, nuisance algae, and toxic cyanobacteria, you may end up battling them for years to come, or finding that they worsen. A CLM will stand with you to identify the right management path that delivers on your expectations.

Our experts have years of experience supporting stakeholders in the management of their lakes, ponds, stormwater systems, reservoirs, watersheds, and more. Our CLMs are dedicated to catering to your unique needs and goals, and using science-based techniques and technologies to ensure your waterbodies stay healthy, functional, and beautiful at all times, so you can focus on the most important thing of all – enjoying them.