Applications for the 2017 TLA Summer Intern Program are now being accepted.

Interested high school students from the Bellaire, Central Lake, Kalkaska, and Mancelona school districts may apply.  They are expected to contribute at least 60 hours of volunteer time, to participate in the scientific activities of the Three Lakes Association, to prepare a report of their project, and to make a presentation of their work to the Three Lakes Association Board and to their school board.  In return, in addition to the fun they will be having during the summer activities, they will receive a ½ credit on their school transcript for environmental science and will also receive a stipend of $500 for their efforts.  At the end of the program we will issue individual letters acknowledging each student’s participation.

This coming summer we plan to do a shoreline survey of Cladophora, a stringy green alga that grows where excess nutrients from landward sources are entering the lake.  This is expected to be the primary project the interns will work on.  TLA will also be continuing work with ongoing projects and programs in which interns may wish to participate.  These include large woody debris for habitat improvement and removal of sediment from the Grass River, study of the golden brown algae on the lake floors, stream monitoring for E. coli levels and macroinvertebrates, stream fish assessment through MDNR fisheries biologist fish shocking, and lake water quality monitoring in the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program.

To apply, download the application here: Intern App 2017 (PDF format) or Intern App 2017 (Word Format) The application form may be submitted any time to norrisrebe@torchlake.com or by mail to Three Lakes Association, P.O. Box 689, Bellaire MI 49615 but must be received by May 29 to be considered for the 2017 program.