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13121: VMP Find a lake or stream (ArcGIS)
Minnesota shaped icon with location pin

Find a lake or stream

Use our map tool to find lakes and streams that need volunteer monitors. The map will also show you where volunteers are already monitoring.

Sign up to volunteer

Once enrolled, we’ll provide the tools you’ll need and instructions on how to use them.

Tips for using the map

  • Do not use Internet Explorer.
  • Zoom in to make features visible (stream names, boat access points, roads).
  • Use the green banner at the top to search for addresses, measure distances, find map details, and locate the legend.
  • Click on lakes, stream segments, or stream sites to view exact location descriptions.
  • All Boundary Water Canoe Area lakes are available for monitoring. Learn more on the Other volunteer opportunities page.
  • Participants in the Metropolitan Council’s Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) collect data at many Twin Cities lakes not shown on the map. Contact CAMP or our program if you are interested in a specific metro-area lake.

Definitions and descriptions

  • High priority stream site (or stream segment): Needs monitoring: Locations where MPCA monitors every 10 years, and needs volunteers to monitor during “off” years.
  • Monitored stream site or monitored lake: At least one volunteer is monitoring this location.
  • Available stream: Available stream segments that need a volunteer.
  • Unmarked lake: These lakes are available and need a volunteer.