Lakes of Phosphorus Sensitivity Significance

This layer was created to identify <B>Lakes of Phosphorus Sensitivity Significance (LPSS)</B> within Minnesota. Available lake data were analyzed to classify lakes based on sensitivity to nutrient pollution. <br/><br/>Phosphorus sensitivity was estimated for each lake by predicting how much water clarity would be reduced with additional phosphorus loading to the lake. A phosphorus sensitivity significance index was formulated to prioritize lakes as they relate to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) policy objective of focusing on <q>high quality, unimpaired lakes at greatest risk of becoming impaired.</q> The phosphorus sensitivity significance index, which is a function of phosphorus sensitivity, lake size, lake total phosphorus concentration, proximity to MPCA's phosphorus impairment thresholds, and watershed disturbance, was used to determine the lake's Priority Class.<br/><br/>The goal of this list was to objectively prioritize lakes based on their sensitivity to phosphorus pollution. Lakes identified as nutrient-impaired or proposed for nutrient impairment listing are also included.<br/><br/>Many Minnesota lakes have not been sampled for lake phosphorus, and this list will be periodically revised as additional data become available.<br/><br/><b> For a detailed description of criteria and analysis used, see: </b> <a href="https://resources.gisdata.mn.gov/pub/gdrs/data/pub/us_mn_state_dnr/env_lakes_phosphorus_sensitivity/metadata/Lakes of Phosphorus Sensitivity Significance 2023.pdf" target=_blank>Lakes of Phosphorus Sensitivity Significance - 06/27/2023</a> (pdf, 620 KB)