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Jefferson Project and real‑time monitoring touted as model for lake‑scale HAB forecasting
Summary
Researchers and local lake groups urged lawmakers to expand real‑time monitoring and forecasting; the Lake George 'Jefferson Project' was presented as a working model that collects high‑frequency data and could be scaled to other lakes with state support.
Researchers and lake advocates told the Senate committee that a targeted expansion of real‑time sensors, forecasting tools and data integration could improve local responses to harmful algal blooms.
"We have developed the most sophisticated freshwater observing and forecasting system in the nation," said Dr. Brennan Wiltsie, executive director of the Lake George Association, describing the Jefferson Project, a long‑running partnership that combines lake sensors, atmospheric data and ecological models. "In 2024 alone, the Jefferson Project collected over a quarter billion data points on Lake George," Wiltsie said, and he argued the project demonstrates how near‑term forecasting can guide management.
DEC officials said they are testing real‑time sondes and monitoring networks and that forecasting shows promise but requires continued resources. "We have invested a lot of time and energy...on investigating whether or not real‑time monitoring...is something that would be beneficial," Alexander J. Smith said, noting the technology is expensive but promising for forecasting and public notification.
Local advocates urged the Legislature to back pilot expansions and to fund centers that translate research into operational forecasting tools. Wiltsie cautioned against one‑size‑fits‑all ‘‘silver bullet’’ technologies and urged emphasis on nutrient reduction in watersheds combined with targeted monitoring and modeling to predict high‑risk conditions.
Why it matters: High‑frequency, site‑specific monitoring can improve early warnings and help managers time mitigations and public notices; witnesses said the Jefferson Project provides an operational model but requires state investment to be replicated for smaller lakes.
Next steps requested: Witnesses asked the Legislature for sustained investment in high‑quality sensors, data management and partnerships between research centers and state agencies to build forecasting systems that inform local decisions about beach closures, public warnings and targeted treatments.
Direct quote: "By integrating atmospheric data in lake sensor arrays and advanced ecological models, we are developing real time forecasting systems for inland lakes," Wiltsie said.
