Equipment

In an effort to strengthen data collection in Polk County, the Land and Water Resources Department (LWRD) provides equipment for volunteers to use.

If you are interested in using any of the equipment please contact LWRD at (715) 485-8699. Although the equipment is available free of charge, a 100% refundable deposit worth the value of the equipment will be required to ensure that if equipment is broken or lost it can be replaced.

Invasive Species Equipment Trailer

The St Croix-Red Cedar CWMA operates a tool trailer for use on invasive species management projects. The trailer is stored in Polk County and is intended for invasive species community work days, training events and demonstrations, and other similar activities as approved by the CWMA Steering Committee.

Soil Probe

Whether it is a large field or a small garden plot, sampling the soil for testing is always a good idea. A soil test is the only practical way of telling if lime (makes soil less acidic) and fertilizer (adds nutrients to soil) are needed.

Flow Meter

A flow meter is used to determine the quantity of water leaving or entering a water body by measuring velocity. This value, when paired with phosphorus values, are used to determine a nutrient budget for a body of water.

Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Probe

This probe measures oxygen and temperature throughout the water column of a lake. Oxygen and temperature profiles are important for aquatic life and nutrient cycling.

Handheld GPS

A GPS point is important whenever you are collecting data because it allows volunteers to return to the same location year after year. Additionally, it ensures that data is tied to a specific location.