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Committee reports rising cyanobacteria alerts, expands invasive-species monitoring and school outreach
Summary
Staff reported increased inland cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) concerns, expanded aquatic invasive species monitoring and a surge in youth conservation education events; the department will post public health signs and coordinate with Health and Human Services on advisories.
Ashland County conservation staff told the committee they have seen more inland lake cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and are stepping up monitoring and public education while continuing invasive-species control and school outreach.
Scott Keaven, the county's land and water specialist, said staff will monitor at least eight inland lakes this year and maintain monitoring at roughly 15 high-use Lake Superior sites. He said lake residents are increasingly contacting the department with photos and reports, and staff have been doing site visits and follow-up. Scott said the department has observed lower lake levels and warmer early-season water temperatures on some inland lakes, conditions that can favor cyanobacteria blooms.
Scott said the department is coordinating with Ashland County Health and Human Services and plans to post state-issued public-health blue-green algae signs at affected lakes within a week or two. He warned residents that blooms can harm people and pets and advised caution around visibly affected water.
Ellie, the watershed project coordinator, described expanded youth outreach: tree plantings with elementary students, invasive-species identification programs in middle school, and participation at Kids Fishing Day, where staff displayed live invasive-species specimens. Ellie also described a weekly "creature feature" outreach on Facebook and ongoing invasive-species removal efforts such as garlic mustard and yellow iris control at Copper Falls State Park and along the Bad River.
The committee discussed monitoring at two public boat launches in Chequamegon Bay (Tomchek Park and Second Landing). Scott said Lake Superior has shown little cyanobacteria activity to date compared with inland lakes, but low Great Lakes water levels increase the risk and staff will remain vigilant. He noted water-quality monitoring of beaches (E. coli and coliform) is typically led by Northland College and other partners.
Staff said they will also organize clean-boat/clean-water outreach at launches to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species between Lake Superior and inland waters and plan landing blitzes around July 4. The department will post advisories and continue coordinated outreach with partners.
