Meet Carter, our go-to aquatic scientist at JPR.  

Armed with an Environmental Science degree from Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, Carter’s passion for lake ecology and management runs deep. Growing up on a lake, his journey began on those shores where he honed his skills in understanding elusive fish and curious macroinvertebrates, sparking a lifelong fascination.

“I spent a lot of time fishing with my grandpa, learning how to ‘trick’ certain tough-to-catch fish as well as finding these weird water bugs that captured my imagination as I would put them in little plastic containers to study,” said Carter. “These early experiences, along with getting to go outside to learn about the earth’s ecosystems in my environmental science classes and internships in high school, was what really helped to direct me further into the field.”

Today, Carter’s career encompasses the intricate tapestry of inland aquatic ecosystems. From lakes and streams to rivers and wetlands, he delves into the biological, chemical, physical, and geological characteristics that shape each environment.  

“These services are particularly important for the Midwest, and Indiana specifically, due to the abundance of freshwater lakes,” he explained.  

Carter is deeply invested in understanding the dynamics of these ecosystems and how human activities impact their health. In short, he’s the guy you call when you need to know what’s happening underneath the surface of a lake or stream.

“Lake ecosystems, including their expansive watershed and inlet and outlet streams, are of particular interest to me,” said Carter who has experience in both technical writing and field methods.  

The expertise of an aquatic scientist extends far beyond observation, encompassing a plethora of services vital for understanding and preserving these delicate ecosystems. From water monitoring to the meticulous assessment of trophic states and nutrient loading, Carter’s arsenal of skills ensures a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship.  

Among the many solutions provided by an aquatic scientist, the restoration of native shorelines is a critical service – and one that is important in our region due to its many lakes and streams. While the restoration approach aims to enhance the ecological health and resilience of shorelines by utilizing indigenous plant species and environmentally friendly construction techniques, the goal is to provide both a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. This type of service is typically done in collaboration with engineers and landscape architects – which aligns with JPR’s diverse in-house skillset.  

An aquatic scientist must have an intimate understanding of the environment, more specifically ecology, and how organisms interact with their surroundings and with one another. According to Carter: “Without this understanding, one cannot clearly diagnose any potential issue of an aquatic ecosystem – or any ecosystem, terrestrial or aquatic, for that matter.”

A healthy lake ecosystem has a delicate balance of varying organisms that make up its environment – without one dominating the other. It’s when this balance of organisms is unequal that problems usually arise.  

Generally, the more human activity you have on a lake, the more eutrophic it will become. This means it will be biologically productive – which often leads to an increase in algae, “weeds”, fish, and waterfowl. This may be undesirable for someone who lives on the lake because it could hinder recreational activities like swimming, boating, and water sports. On the other hand, this might be more attractive for anglers and fishermen. While a eutrophic lake can be beautiful and function as a healthy ecosystem, the delicate balance can be easily overcome at this trophic level, which can lead to many issues like an overabundance of toxin producing cyanobacteria.

Although the “quality” of a lake can be subjective depending on what the intended use is, an aquatic scientist can evaluate your body of water and suggest or implement best practices on how to preserve and conserve it for optimal management.

“If one does not properly manage a waterbody, human activity on or near it can greatly reduce its natural ecological function, which can then make your waterbody less attractive,” said Carter. “And it will also depreciate your house or investment.”

At JPR, Carter’s role goes beyond mere science – he’s also a problem-solver, a communicator, and a passionate advocate for our lakes and streams. Inspired by his mentor, Dr. Nate Bosch, who earned his PhD in Limnology from the University of Michigan, Carter embodies a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, recognizing the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.  

“Everything that I currently know about aquatic science and lake management came from him,” said Carter. “He made a large impact on how I view our relationship to creation and why we should steward it and take care of it. I feel that we have been tasked to help make things right and to mend what is around us; not only the relationships with nature but also the people around us – allowing space for healing and reconciliation.”  

With expertise and dedication, Carter and our Environmental Department will help you navigate the complex world of environmental regulations, minimize your project's impact on the environment, and ensure that your vision becomes a reality while keeping our lakes and streams healthy for future generations.

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Learn more about the Environmental Department at JPR: www.jpr1source.com/services/environmental

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