Lakes and ponds such as Brooklake are open water wetlands. They are important feeding areas for many creatures. Millions of microscopic green algae, cyanobacteria, protozoans, and bacteria are suspended in the water, providing the base of a rich aquatic food chain.

Worms, salamanders, and crayfish can be found crawling on and in the muddy bottom. Salamander and frog tadpoles, as well as coho salmon and cutthroat trout spend their formative months and years feeding in the lake waters. The rich plant, amphibian and fish populations attract herons, chattering kingfishers, and occasional raccoons.