Deep Study to be Conducted on Lake Maxinkuckee

Lake Maxinkuckee beach in Culver.
Lake Maxinkuckee beach in Culver.

A deep study to determine the amount of nutrients, algae and other elements in Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, and its history, will be conducted on April 22.

The Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council predicts this comprehensive study will make officials better understand how much change the lake has undergone since its last deep study done in 1984. One issue the scientists will be looking at is the amount of phosphorous in the lake.

The U.S. Geological Survey out of Kansas will conduct the study which will be done at a cost of $180,000. Culver Academies has contributed funds toward this project and the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council secured a matching grant from the Marshall County Community Foundation’s Ralph Vonnegut fund in order for this study to be complete.

Scientists will take core samples of the sediment deep under Lake Maxinkuckee which could unearth 200 to 300 years of information. This will give the LMEC the environmental history of the lake. The results will also be part of a new watershed management plan.

Students from the Marshall County schools will have an opportunity to be in on this endeavor. They will take shifts in boats to observe the process in which samples are obtained and be part of real-life research.

The USGS representatives may be available during the process to hold a public meeting concerning their initial findings.

The LMEC has been working with the Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation in this project.