Advisory board presses for clarity on proposed citizen‑science monitoring program for White Lake

Members of the White Lake Advisory Board pressed staff for details about a proposed citizen‑science training program during the meeting.

The board’s staff member said Diane is "working to develop a training for [a] citizen science group, like the technology to monitor rainfall, lake live temperatures and light levels," and that the town board had received an update at its last meeting. Board members said they need a clearer statement of the program’s purpose, goals and expected outcomes before committing time or resources.

"I don't understand why we're paying her to take measurements that the state does not want, need, have," a committee member said, questioning whether the training duplicates work the town already commissions or whether the collected data will be used by state agencies. Other members said a short written paragraph explaining purpose and objectives would be useful and asked for periodic updates as the program develops.

Staff said Diane will present a fuller plan and, when available, will provide copies of the report that was shown to the town board. The board agreed members should review the material, document specific concerns or points for follow‑up, and forward those notes so the group can stay informed while the program is finalized.

The advisory board did not take a formal vote on the training; members concluded by asking staff to request a concise statement of purpose from Diane or the town board and to include development updates on future agendas.