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Residents, Friends of Oakdale urge action as algae returns to Oakdale Lake
Summary
Residents and council members discussed recurring algae in Oakdale Lake, past treatments (barley extract, copper sulfate), and ongoing testing by Friends of Oakdale and a private ecology firm.
Oakdale Lake’s recurring algae problem drew extended discussion at the council meeting, with residents urging more proactive management and council members outlining past tests and potential next steps.
Residents reported that the lake is already showing algae this spring and recalled the summer’s harmful algal bloom that forced activity closures last year. Council members and a public commenter said prior management has included barley treatments and limited copper sulfate dosing; they cautioned that copper sulfate can harm aquatic life and that barley treatments are most effective applied early in the season, before warm spring conditions accelerate blooms.
Council members said Friends of Oakdale has contracted a private firm (referred to as “grade ecology”/“ecology firm”) for water testing and that the group will follow up with DPW and other partners. Members suggested options such as improved watershed management, shoreline vegetation buffers to slow runoff into the lake, and targeted ecological restoration projects that could be funded through future grants for water-quality work.
Council members said they would follow up with Friends of Oakdale, the private testing firm and DPW to collect recent water-test results and to consider whether grant-funded restoration work or different treatment timing could reduce future harmful blooms.
