We participate in the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP) supported by funding from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and administered by the Michigan Lake and Stream Associations (MLSA) of which we are a member. As an active member, we (I mean, Mike & Sue Boss) take water quality samples and send the results to the MLSA for recording and publication. The 2012 Annual Report and a description of the program can be found at:
http://www.micorps.net/
I encourage you to review the findings but I can summarize by saying Bear Lake is at the top for transparency and is among the best in the lack of both phosphorous and chlorophyll.
Also, for your reading pleasure,the latest newsletter from our lake management supplier, PLM: