Regional Context: Lakes

Coniferous Forest Lakes:
Cool, deep, clear waters, and rocky (top photo).

Unproductive, although clear water seems a perfect environment in which fish would thrive. Nutrients necessary to support plant growth are in short supply.

Prairie Lakes:
Shallower, surrounded by rich prairie soils (bottom photo).

The lakes support more fish and plant life, including occasional algal blooms. Agricultural practices often increase the addition of soils and nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.

Deciduous Forest Lakes:
Lakes in central Minnesota occur in a transition between the rocky north and the rich-prairie south:

Wider variety of types. Many occur on sand, gravel, and other glacial deposits. Relatively rich in aquatic and fish life. Tend to be deeper than lakes found in the prairie region.