Deep Study at Lake Maxinkuckee Postponed

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, has been postponed to May 13-15.

The U.S. Geological Survey out of Kansas will conduct the study which the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Council (LMEC) predicts 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.

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.

Kathy Clark of the LMEC said a piece of equipment needed for the study has been on loan for a special project in Texas, but will be available for the study in Culver in May.

A public meeting to outline the project will be held May 13 at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Culver Beach Lodge. The next day, students from the Marshall County schools will have an opportunity to take shifts in boats to observe the process in which samples are obtained and be part of real-life research.