Rush Lake Erosion Project

Mary Blickenderfer, University of Minnesota Extension Service, 888-241-0885

For decades, lakeshore owners and boaters on Rush Lake (part of the Whitefish Chain north of Brainerd) have viewed the steep, sandy, eroding banks of County and DNR Islands. Past efforts to stabilize these banks have been partially successful, but the erosion continued.

This summer, people on Rush Lake were greeted with a curious sight. The islands’ steep slopes resembled a patchwork quilt of colors and logs nestled along the shorelines. The islands had become research sites, testing the effectiveness of several erosion control methods. Combining the successes of past erosion control efforts with new technology and techniques, several state and local agencies, organizations, and businesses coordinated and established this research project.

Slope Stabilization

The goal for stabilizing the upland slope area is to establish deep-rooted, drought-tolerant, native plants. To facilitate installation (every footstep generates a small landslide of sand) and create a favorable growing environment for the plants, bio-terraces were installed by anchoring several brush bundles along the slope. Native grass seed, flower seedlings, and bare root shrub and tree seedlings were planted. Four types of protective layers were also applied to the soil surface to minimize slope erosion and to hold moisture for the plants during establishment: one layer of coconut fiber blanket, two layers of coconut fiber blanket, Futera – a blanket of wood fiber material, and hydro-mulch – a fiber slurry mixed with the native seed and sprayed on the slope. The table below summarizes the cost and first-year plant establishment success for each of the four trials of protective layers.

During this initial year, Rush Lake Association members watered the site during periods of drought, aiding establishment of the plants. Sixty percent of the bare-root seedlings established well. While the success of the native flower planting was evident, it is too early to comment on the success of the native grass seeding as very little growth is visible above ground the first year. Much of the plant cover on each plot at the end of this season consisted of annual weeds, native perennials that were not planted, and a few survivors of past planting efforts. A complete report of the project and subsequent updates can be found at www.extension.umn.edu/shoreland beginning January 2006.

Major Contributors

Rush Lake Association, Whitefish Area Property Owners Association, Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District, and University of Minnesota Extension Service, with significant financial support and contributions from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Shoreland Habitat Program, Pequot Sand and Gravel, Professional Lake Management, and Lakeside Lawn and Landscape Company.

Lake Organism

Emily Wolf, former Regional Extension Educator, currently a high school science teacher in Osakis, MN

What is it? A shriveled shrimp? An alien life-form? A vital part of the aquatic food web? The answer of course is the last one, a vital part of the aquatic food web. Macroinvertebrates, such as the sideswimmer pictured here, are small animals without backbones, just visible to the naked eye. These creatures are key in sustaining the quality of surface waters in Minnesota.

Why are they important? Macroinvertebrates are good indicators of pollution levels due to their relatively long life spans and functional roles in aquatic food webs. They provide better insight into aquatic ecosystem health than traditional water chemistry measures because they integrate the effects of disturbances or pollution over time. Studies have shown benthos to be useful in water quality assessment due to their diversity, wide distribution, and varying tolerances to pollution.

Water quality affects macroinvertebrates both directly and indirectly. Most species of mayflies typically do not tolerate acidic conditions, while other insects, such as caddis flies, are less sensitive. Amphipods, such as the sideswimmers mentioned earlier, are known to be negatively affected by increases in salinity (salt concentration), and decreases in pH. Deviations from normal patterns of reproduction and growth of certain amphipods have been studied as a result of temperature and water level changes. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH can further influence absorption of metals and other pollutants, indirectly impacting organism health. Poor water quality can reduce macroinvertebrate diversity and alter community structure, which causes changes throughout the aquatic ecosystem.

Sensitive Organisms or Tough Bugs?

Using macroinvertebrates in monitoring is not a foolproof measure of water quality. Recent studies suggest that the commonly found macroinvertebrates have become tolerant of environmental disturbances. If you consider Minnesota’s history, such as the extensive logging in the late 1800s, the use of waterways as sewage conveyances or worse in the 1900s, and the growing influence of urban runoff, it seems miraculous that anything but the toughest of the tough are left.

Take a closer look at the shoreline. Why do fish and wildlife spend so much time in the nearshore area of lakes and rivers? That’s where the food is. Aquatic insects, snails, clams, leeches and other invertebrates are bountiful in the near-shore area among lush vegetation. Imagine the underwater forest-like habitat of submerged and emergent vegetation, filled with swimming, crawling, and burrowing creatures. It’s the perfect place to raise a fish with ample food and protection. Preserving this area or re-establishing vegetated buffers provides habitat for these macroinvertebrates, which in turn, serve as food for many species of fish and wildlife.

Macroinvertebrates also play a particularly important role in the “green-ness” of many lakes. Several macroinvertebrates are the herbivores of the water, consuming algae at incredible rates. A healthy macroinvertebrate population in combination with (lower) phosphorus loads is nature’s way of controlling algae blooms. Researchers have used this function to our benefit. The herbivores serve as prey for larger macroinvertebrates and fish fry. With this understanding, manipulations of fisheries have been used to alter the numbers of macroinvertebrate herbivores, improving water clarity of some shallow lakes.

The diversity of macroinvertebrates is simply astounding. Have you ever seen a leech with six or eight eyes, or one that was twelve inches long? Or observed the jet propulsion of the small dragonfly nymph? Before you begin to wonder if I’m describing creatures released from Area 51, I should tell you these are in fact inhabitants of Minnesota lakes. Perhaps it’s a good thing that winter is nearly here; that way you may be able shake off the hee-bee-gee-bees before going for a swim next summer. Just remember when you step into that cool water, you are not alone….

References:

• Batzer, D.P., B.J. Palik, and R. Buech. 2004. Relationships between envi ronmental characteristics and macroinvertebrate communities in seasonal woodland ponds of Minnesota. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 23(1): 50-68.
• Covich, A.P., and J.H. Thorp. 2001. Introduction to the subphylum crus tacea. Chapter 19 in J.H. Thorp, and A.P. Covich [eds.], Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates. Academic Press Inc.
• Hellawell, J.M. 1986. Biological Indicators of Freshwater Pollution and Environmental Management. Elsevier Applied Science Publishers.
• Hilsenhoff,W.L. and R.L. Hine. 1982. Using a biotic index to evaluate water quality in streams.Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Technical Bulletin Number 132:1-22.
• Johnson, R.K.,T.Wiederholm, and D.M. Rosenberg. 1992. Freshwater biomonitoring using individual organisms, populations, and species assemblages of benthic macroinvertebrates. Pages 40-125, Chapter 4 in D.M. Rosenberg and V.H. Resh [eds.], Freshwater Monitoring and Benthic Macroinvertebrates. Chapman and Hall.

Sea Grant signs.

Submitted by: Barbara Liukkonen, Minnesota Sea Grant Program, 612-625-9256Recent news stories about finding zebra mussels in Mille Lacs have reminded us about the impacts that non-native plants, fish, and other animals may have on Minnesota’s waters, and highlighted the expense and effort needed to control them. While non-native species do not always pose a threat, some can out-compete native species, contributing to loss of native plant communities and habitat for fish and wildlife, resulting in economic and recreational impacts.

Non-native plants and fish are often the centerpieces of water gardens, adding interest and beauty, but if these species escape or are released in our lakes and streams, they may have significant ecological effects. In 2002, research at the University of Minnesota Horticulture Department, indicated it is easy to receive prohibited invasive species through catalogs and the Internet and that 92.5% of plant orders included unintended “hitchhikers.”

To further identify the potential for introducing aquatic invasive species through water gardening and to help stop the spread of those invasive species, a research study and outreach effort was sponsored by Minnesota Sea Grant in collaboration with the Minnesota Water Garden Society, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.

In 2004, we queried water gardeners, Master Gardeners, and shoreland property owners with an online or written survey, and conducted one-on-one interviews with 37 nursery and landscape design professionals in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. The survey tools were designed to measure awareness and knowledge levels, identify their sources of plants and information, characterize sales and gardening practices, investigate willingness to pay, and assess opportunities for educating customers and nursery employees.

Respondents indicated the threat posed by aquatic invasive species is of serious concern (91% consumers, 57% nursery professionals), but most were unable to correctly identify non-native, invasive species of concern in Minnesota. Few consumers (7%) purchase plants or animals over the Internet; 56% choose plants at local retail outlets. Most (86%) expressed a willingness to pay more for plants they were sure were free of hitchhikers.

Two thirds of the nurseries had received unintended plants or animals in shipments. Fewer than 15% of the retail outlets had a process in place to identify or eliminate 2 hitchhikers in their plant receipts. Only 25% had a process to prevent customers from receiving unintended plants in their purchases. Seventy five percent of retailers requested educational materials to train employees about risks and proper protocols. Nearly all retailers (95%) were willing to provide their customers with outreach education about aquatic invasive species.

After developing preliminary messages and graphics, we conducted focus groups with managers from large and small nurseries, pond designers and installers, state agency staff, Extension specialists, Master Gardeners, and representatives from the Minnesota Water Garden Society. From those meetings and subsequent conversations we refined the messages and finalized the design and layout of the materials.

The new educational materials include tip cards, plant sticks and tags for nurseries to include with potentially invasive plants, and posters. The posters are available in both an 8-1/2 by 11 inch format and a larger size (18 by 24 inches) for nurseries and garden centers to post.

In a pilot program this summer about 40 Minnesota nurseries, garden centers, and landscape businesses used the materials to inform employees and reach customers with the primary message, “Do Not Release” plants or animals from water features. We’re currently in the process of evaluating how the materials were used, customer response and interest, employee response, and willingness to pay for these or similar materials in the future.

Toxic algae.

Adapted from the MPCA Web site

Lake lovers, especially those with pets or livestock, should be aware of a potential hazard stemming from algae growth in lakes during summer. Under certain conditions some algae species, called blue-green algae, can become toxic. Pets and livestock drinking lake water containing the toxic form of these algae may become sick and even die.

Special characteristics of blue-green algae allow them to become more abundant than other types of algae. Some bluegreen algae are able to use nitrogen from the air as well as nitrogen dissolved in the water, which gives them an advantage over algae that depend only on nitrogen in the water.

Blue-green algae can use sunlight more efficiently than most algae. Some contain pockets of gas allowing them to float on the water surface and out-compete other algae for sunlight. In nutrient-rich lakes, blue-green algae can become so abundant that they completely dominate other free-floating algae. The whole appearance of the lake water can be changed by these large concentrations of algae. This condition is called an algae bloom.

The lake water will become cloudy, with a green or bluegreen cast, and is often described as looking like pea soup. It often develops a strong musty or earthy odor as the algae accumulate in large floating mats and begin to decompose. In extreme cases, surface scums of dead and decomposing algae may occur.

These algae blooms can occasionally become toxic. Most problems occur when the algae are concentrated by wind along a shoreline and livestock, pets, wild animals, and birds drink the water or otherwise ingest the algae. Toxic effects in animals can occur only when they ingest the contaminated water or algae.

The degree to which an animal is affected depends on several factors: the amount of water or algal cells ingested, the animal’s body size, amount of food in the animal’s stomach, the sensitivity of the species and individual animal, and the type and amount of toxin present in the bloom. An animal that has ingested toxins from an algae bloom can show symptoms ranging from nausea and skin irritation to severe disorders involving the circulatory, nervous and digestive systems, and severe skin lesions. In the worst case, the animal may suffer convulsions and die.

Humans are seldom seriously affected by toxic algae because the unpleasant odor and taste of water associated with a blue-green algae bloom tends to make them avoid it. However, humans and animals may experience illness or other health effects if their skin is in contact with algal toxins or they ingest large amounts of algae while toxins are being produced.

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that you not ingest the water, or let children or pets enter the water. Avoid contact with the algae whenever possible. If contact does occur wash off the material thoroughly, paying special attention to the swimsuit area. If your pet comes in contact with a bloom, wash off your pet’s coat to prevent it from ingesting the algae while licking.

If you suspect an animal has been affected by an algae bloom, contact your veterinarian as quickly as possible. Some of the toxins that can form in a bloom have the ability to kill in an hour or less, while some may take up to 24 hours to take effect. For more information on toxic algae or to report a possible toxic bloom, please contact: Matt Lindon, MPCA, at 651-297-8218, or toll-free from Greater Minnesota at 1-800-657-3864. You can download a PDF of a new poster about toxic blue-green algae at the MPCA web site.

Ron Struss, Regional Extension Educator, Farmington, 651-480-7708

Have you bought your first bag of phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer? Was it easy to find, or was the store clerk befuddled when asked for lawn fertilizer with a “zero in the middle?”

Since January 2004 in the Twin Cities metro area, and January 2005 in the rest of Minnesota, the use of phosphorus lawn fertilizer has been restricted. For everyone except sod farms and golf courses the law is straightforward: Do not use lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus unless your soil is low in phosphorus or you are seeding a new lawn. The law is for water quality protection; the nutrient phosphorus spurs growth of algae in lakes and rivers.

The new law presents two challenges for those caring for lawns: 1) Finding phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer, and, 2) knowing whether your lawn is low in soil phosphorus. The first challenge of finding phosphorus-free fertilizer has been solved in the Twin Cities metro area. It is difficult to find a store selling lawn fertilizer that does not offer a good selection of phosphorus- free products, including “weed & feed” combinations. It is anticipated by next season the same will be true state-wide after old fertilizer stocks are depleted and new orders are adjusted for 2006.

As for knowing whether a lawn is low in soil phosphorus and in need of phosphorus fertilization, soil testing provides the best answer. Both private laboratories and the University of Minnesota offer soil testing for lawns. Contact your local agricultural supply store for laboratory names, or the University of Minnesota Soil Test Lab at 612-625-3101. A soil test costs about $15.

For additional information on the Minnesota Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer Law, go to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Web site look under “Lawn Care and Water Quality.” Also, educational material on lawn care and water quality is available in the “Tools” section of http://www.cleanwatermn.org.

Water Education Photo Credit: Nate Meyer

Nate Meyer, Regional Extension Educator, Cloquet, 218-726-6473

Minnesotans have a strong tradition of celebrating their lakes and streams–ice-fishing and skiing in the winter, swimming, boating, fishing, and visiting the family cabin in the summer. So, it is not surprising that 1,000 residents, who responded to the statewide 2nd Minnesota Report Card on Environmental Literacy survey, considered “water pollution to be extremely important and an area not safeguarded enough.”

However, raising Minnesotan’s knowledge of water issues is still a concern. About half (45 percent) of respondents to the 2nd Minnesota Report Card on Environmental Literacy correctly answered three to five of five questions about water quality issues-receiving a passing grade. These results equate well nationally, but they leave plenty of room for increased success. Nearly a quarter (23 percent) of those surveyed answered zero to one correct–receiving a failing grade.

To increase the effectiveness of water quality education, staff from the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Minnesota Sea Grant, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, and the Great Lakes Aquarium collaborated on a July workshop for educators. Called Backyards to the Big Lake, this Duluthbased workshop engaged educators in three days of exploring streams, storm drains, lakes, resources, and methods to teach about water issues. Through funding from Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program and Minnesota Sea Grant’s successful View From the Lake program, the workshop culminated in a lake-tour aboard the L.L. Smith Jr., a Great Lakes research vessel, where educators investigated how changing land use impacts Lake Superior’s water quality.

Water Education Photo Credit: Nate Meyer

A specific goal of Backyards to the Big Lake was to form partnerships between classroom and non-classroom educators, interested citizens, state and regional professionals to strengthen water quality education. Using research, educational standards and personal experience, participants explored the questions: “What is important to know about water quality?” and “How and where can people learn about water quality?” They met with regional water quality professionals and identified ways to cooperate inside and outside of the classroom to increase Minnesotan’s access to education and understanding of water quality issues.

The Backyards to the Big Lake workshop served K-8 classroom teachers, non-classroom teachers, citizens and professionals interested in water quality education. It was held July 11–July 13 at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN. Contact Nate Meyer at 1-888-241-0724 for more details.

The Second Minnesota Report Card on Environmental Literacy: A Survey of Adult Environmental Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior by Dr. Tony P. Murphy and others is available from the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance or online here.

Algae

Julie Klocker, Sauk River Watershed District, 320-352-2231

In late summer, people can become disenchanted with lake living when they see smelly green scum, called “blue-green algae,” taking over their lake. There are many types of blue-green algae. Some are a food staple in parts of the world while others are poisonous to livestock, pets, and humans. They have adapted to live in nearly any type of environment from the hot sulfur springs in Yellowstone to the glaciers in Alaska. They can occur as free-floating individuals or attach to rocks and docks in long strings or thick mats. The free-floating algae commonly produce the green scum we see on lakes, but a similar scum can result from large colonies of mat- or string-forming blue-green algae becoming dislodged and floating to the water’s surface.

What’s blooming?

If these blue-green algae occur in all our lakes, why do they become a problem in only some lakes? And why during the warmest part of the summer? To answer the first question, you need to know that phosphorus and water temperature are usually the main factors influencing algae growth in Minnesota’s lakes. Water bodies having the greatest blue-green algae growth include lakes that contain high amounts of phosphorus (1 pound of phosphorus can produce up to 500 pounds of algae) and/or shallow lakes and bays in which water warms earlier and reaches greater temperatures than in deeper lakes and open water.

To answer the second question, note that algae blooms occur on calm days during the heat of the summer when algae numbers are greatest. In the absence of turbulence that normally keeps free-floating algae at depth, large numbers of algae float to the water surface and create a green scum. Once at the water’s surface the intense solar radiation kills the algae. This die-off is followed by a rapid increase in bacteria that consume dead algae - a process that depletes oxygen in the water and results in a nasty, rotten-egg smell. In addition, low-oxygen water makes it difficult for fish to “breathe.”

What can we do?

We can’t control the water temperature or the wind, but everyone has a part to play in reducing phosphorus entering the lakes. You can help by eliminating phosphorus fertilizer use (it’s now Minnesota law), preventing soil erosion, and keeping leaves, grass clippings, and pet wastes from washing into lakes. These are small steps that can help control the smelly, green scum that we see so often on lakes in late summer.

Rush Lake Erosion Project.

Scott Lucas, Crow Wing SWCD, (218) 828-6197

The Rush Lake Island shoreline restoration project took a huge jump toward completion. The project, begun in earnest in September of 2004, still had a long way to go until late February, when Rob Abear of Pequot Sand and Gravel became involved. Abear met the challenges of getting the materials in place before the ice softened.

A grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources required that most of the stabilization of the shoreline be achieved through bioengineering techniques, such as careful placement of tree stumps, logs, and vegetation, and that rock riprap be held to a bare minimum. Project leaders Mary Blickenderfer and Eleanor Burkett of the University of Minnesota Extension Service previously determined that bioengineering techniques such as those listed above are preferred over hard armor techniques (rock riprap); and are critical to the educational aspect of this project. Not only is rock riprap unnatural looking, but it also doesn’t provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Time was a factor though as stumps, logs, and riprap needed to be hauled to the islands while the ice was able to withstand large equipment. Most of the logs were provided by Professional Lake Management and delivered to the island by Lakeside Lawn and Landscape Company. Abear and his crew hauled the stumps and rocks out to the island and began the process of reshaping the slope. The slope reshaping was extremely difficult, especially given the frozen ground conditions on the site. Abear, who had put new teeth on the bucket of his backhoe prior to beginning the project, had worn all of the teeth off again by the end of the day.

Once the bank had been properly shaped, the placement of the logs, rocks and stumps began. Abear and his crew carefully placed the materials along the bank in a manner consistent with the plans drawn up by North Central Joint Powers Board Engineer Chad Severts. Severts oversaw the project, with Wayne Mueller of DNR Fisheries dropping by to offer perspective and insight. By the time Abear had finished, roughly 600 feet of County Island had stabilization materials in place.

The remainder of the toe stabilization (base of the slope) on the island will occur later as the logs and stumps are anchored and slope stabilization begins. This will require several weeks of work and involve the efforts of agency personnel, as well as assistance from many lake association volunteers.

Volunteer collecting a sample.

Barb Liukkonen, Water Resources Education Coordinator, University of Minnesota Extension Service and Minnesota Sea Grant, (612) 625-9256

When beaches are closed because they’re unsafe, bacteria make the news. Bacteria have also been implicated across Minnesota as the cause of impairment in many lakes and rivers. Natural resource professionals and people like you are increasingly concerned about bacteria and are interested in how to assess whether your lake or stream has a problem.

To help volunteers interested in monitoring bacteria, we secured a grant from the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension System (CSREES) water quality program to investigate the accuracy and reliability of inexpensive test kits. While there are many E. coli bacteria test kits available on the market, there has been no independent, comparative study to determine if, or how well, they actually work. In 2004, volunteers in Indiana and Iowa collected samples, analyzed for E. coli bacteria using six different test methods, and sent samples to certified analytical labs to verify their results. Based on extensive statistical analysis, our regional team identified two methods that ranked high in user-friendliness and highest in accuracy and reliability.

Volunteer processing a sample.

During 2005 and 2006, volunteers in MN (and WI, MI, OH) will participate in our research project by using those two methods and sending samples to a certified lab. They’ll be monitoring one stream on a weekly basis from May- September, after participating in a training workshop to learn how to collect and analyze samples. If you are interested in being part of the project, and would be willing to make the commitment, please contact me.

Why are we concerned about E. coli bacteria?

Bacteria – single-celled organisms found in all environments on earth – perform many critical ecological functions. Most bacteria are not pathogens, or, in other words, they don’t cause disease. However, bacteria are commonly used as indicators that pathogens may be present from a source such as human or animal (livestock, pets, wildlife) waste.

Fecal coliform bacteria are found in the intestines and feces of warm-blooded animals. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of coliform bacteria, of which a subset may cause disease. Because it is easy and inexpensive to analyze for coliform bacteria, they are often used as indicators that other harmful bacteria may be present. When fecal coliform or E. coli bacteria are present in water, it is an indicator that waste or wastewater is reaching your lake or stream.

To help reduce bacterial loading to your favorite lake or stream, follow these practices:

• make sure your septic system is properly designed, installed, and maintained
• pick up after your pet
• don’t encourage waterfowl to congregate by feeding them
• fence livestock away from the water

Contacts: Ralph Pribble, MPCA, (651) 297-1832, Doug Schultz, MDH, (651) 215-1303, Tom Conroy, DNR, (507) 359-6014

It’s not unusual for warm, shallow lakes to turn green and soupy with algae during the “dog days” of late summer. But sometimes the type of algae growing in the lake can be harmful to people or animals. That’s been the case recently on three lakes in Minnesota where toxic bluegreen algae blooms have occurred.

Late this summer a lakeshore resident on Lake Benton, in Lincoln County, reported large numbers of dead fish and said his dog had died after going into the lake and apparently ingesting algae. In July, a dog was reported to have died from contacting water thick with algae in Fish Lake near Mora, in Kanabec County. In Lake Crystal, southwest of Mankato in Blue Earth County, testing by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) confirmed a toxic algae bloom.

The MPCA, Department of Health (MDH), and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are advising people not to swim or wade in these lakes and to keep pets or farm animals out of the water until the algae clears up.

Water to Avoid!

Although blue-green algae occur in most lakes in Minnesota, the type and concentration can vary considerably from lake to lake. Blue-green algae thrive in warm, nutrient-rich lakes. Sometimes the algae become so abundant they completely dominate the lake, and all or parts of it turn bright green or bluish green, with the water taking on a “pea soup” consistency.

Occasionally these blooms turn toxic. Although blue-green algae are relatively common in late summer, most bluegreen blooms do not become toxic. They can go from harmless to toxic, and back again, without necessarily changing appearance. Sometimes winds will dissipate a toxic bloom in a short time. At other times, the wind can blow mats of floating algae to the lakeshore. Most problems occur when the algae clump near a shoreline and livestock, pets, wild animals, or birds drink the water.

Water to Avoid!

Steve Heiskary, a lake expert with the MPCA, said bluegreen blooms occur every summer, but this year seems to have had more than the usual number of toxic blooms. “Heavy rains this spring and early summer probably carried more than the usual amount of nutrients into surface waters,” he said, “and this could be why we’ve had more problems this season.”

Some species of blue-green algae naturally produce toxic substances. According to the MDH, humans and animals may experience illness or other health effects if there is skin contact with algal toxins or large amounts of algae are ingested.

The agencies recommend that people and animals should not ingest the water. Do not let children or pets enter the water. Contact with these algal blooms should be avoided. If contact does occur, the material should be washed off thoroughly, paying special attention to the swimsuit area. If your pet comes in contact with a bloom, wash off your pet’s coat to prevent the pet from ingesting the algae while cleaning itself.

Swimming in water with an algal bloom may cause symptoms such as skin rash, hives, runny nose, irritated eyes and/or throat irritation. Swallowing or ingesting water with an algal bloom may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea; headache, throat irritation, ormuscle pain; and in severe cases paralysis, respiratory failure, or death. It may also cause seizures or convulsions in your pets.

If you suspect an animal has been affected by an algae bloom, contact a veterinarian as quickly as possible, as some of the toxins in a toxic algae bloom can kill in an hour or less, while some may take up to 24 hours to affect the animal.

Tom Conroy, a DNR Information Officer in New Ulm, said the combination of abnormally warm temperatures and the opening of Minnesota’s hunting seasons can be “a potentially dangerous situation for hunting dogs.”

Not only are there concerns about dogs ingesting toxic blue-green algae but there is also the danger that dogs can “quickly become overheated in warm temperatures,” Conroy warned. “Dogs don’t know when to quit so it’s up to the owner to make sure it doesn’t overdo it. Keep a close eye on your dog, don’t let it drink or lick algae off itself, rest it often, and have plenty of cool water on hand,” Conroy urged.

For more information on toxic algae blooms, see the MPCA Web page titled, Toxic algae can spell danger for pets and livestock.

Digital photos of fish kills on Lake Benton or Lake Crystal that resulted from the toxic algae blooms are available by contacting Ralph Pribble at 651-296-7792.