Lake Water Quality – Aquatic Organisms

Lake Springfield provides habitat for all shapes and sizes and types of creatures that typically live in or near an aquatic environment. The greenbelt of trees and other vegetation around the lake and the presence of a water source also attracts significant numbers of terrestrial wildlife species to the area. Migratory waterfowl and other animals use the lake as a stopping off and refueling point on their way to other destinations.

The types of animals present are largely a reflection of the habitats that are available. The greater the diversity of habitats, the more species will be found. The upstream wetland areas in the Lick and Sugar Creek arms of the lake are physically quite different and more diverse than the large open expanses of the main lake basins. Also, the nooks and crannies along the shoreline areas provide important habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms.

The building blocks of the lake's ecosystem are algae and zooplankton, followed by numerous aquatic insects like the immature larval or nymphal stages of dragonflies, midges and mayflies. Fish like largemouth bass are often thought of as the top predators in Lake Springfield's ecosystem, but even they can be gobbled up by aquatic birds like great blue herons, which are often seen in the quiet areas around the lake.

A full description of the lake ecosystem and management challenges is available in a publication called Lake Springfield Ecology and Management: A Leaseholder and Community Guide. The publication discusses septic systems, dredging, erosion control, lake-area construction, permitting, yard maintenance, fuel storage tanks, boating, and other issues that can influence the quality of the lake. To obtain a copy, or for answers to any lake management questions, call Michelle Nicol, at (217) 757-8660, ext. 1025.

To read about other lake water quality issues, select one of the links below.