Second Lake

Second Lake earns a D — measurements through 2024 show persistent nutrient pressure that limits clarity through the summer. Clarity is the limiting factor — phosphorus is reasonable but suspended particles or algal cells keep water transparency below Minnesota norms.

A TSI in the eutrophic range signals a lake doing what nutrient-loaded waters do — supporting an active algal community at the cost of clear water. The lake's maximum depth is not yet documented in state morphometric records — context for its physical structure remains limited. The lake's surface area is not consistently recorded across state datasets — physical context remains partial. Within the 33 graded lakes of Carlton County, Second Lake sits at rank 30, near the bottom of the county list.

No invasive species are currently listed at Second Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The state fisheries records do not list documented species for Second Lake, which usually reflects a lack of formal fisheries survey work rather than an empty lake. The grade is supported by multiple sampling years from Minnesota PCA volunteers and partner agencies, giving the letter a reasonably stable foundation.