This web-site offers a starting point for people who are concerned about their lake's future. It will help you understand lakes, their watersheds, and the causes, effects, and solutions to water quality problems. It also will help you recognize the warning signs of lake problems and tell you how you can help protect and manage your lake as well as who can help you.                                                                              

	Chapter 1 - Lake Characteristics
	Chapter 2 - Lake Problems
	Chapter 3 - Watershed Management
	Chapter 4 - Shoreline Management
	Chapter 5 - Lake Management
	Chapter 6 - Permits
	Chapter 7 - Lake Organizations
	Chapter 8 - Sources of Money
	Chapter 9 - References
	The Washington Lake Protection Association - WALPA

WASHINGTON IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MORE THAN 7,800 LAKES, which provide a variety of recreational opportunities as well as a diversity of ecological habitats. Many Washington residents recognize those opportunities and live close to a lake. Yet, lakes face an uncertain future. You or your friends may have witnessed the decline of a good fishing lake, the takeover of a lake by aquatic plants, the development of a lake's shoreline, or the decreased clarity of a favorite swimming lake. Shoreline clearing, watershed development, and discharge of pollutants are among the problems causing the degradation of our lakes.

These problems, which have been building for years, come at a time of increased public awareness of the importance of lakes and also at a time of reduced government resources. Degradation of our lakes cannot be only a concern of government. Lakes and their beneficial uses can be protected, and citizens must become part of the solution.

Table of Contents for Lake Information | Return to the Aquatic Plants and Lake Page