HAB Update

Saturday DEC confirmed that our water sample from the cove adjacent to Elm Street contained a harmful algae bloom (HAB). We are still waiting on details from the lab to determine the specifics of the organism, its toxicity and treatment.
Harmful Alagal Bloom on Little York Lake
 
Detailed information on HABs is contained on this DEC page. The map identifying all recent HAB reports is available here. There are images attached to the report in addition to the one in this post (click to view full-sized).
 
Until we have more details and an action plan (in the next few days) we strongly urge everyone to avoid contact with the water in that area of the lake (see the map). 
 
In the meantime, if you see anything that looks unusual, please email a picture to contact@littleyorklake.com or text it to 607-218-2550.
 
Area potentially with HABs
 
 

Potential for Harmful Algae Blooms in the Lake

We have had two dogs suddenly die after exposure to the lake. Both dogs were in the same area of the lake, along the south-western section of Elm Avenue (see map).

Area potentially with HABs

LYLPS board members along with the director of NYSFOLA inspected the area on Monday afternoon looking for evidence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). These bacteria are responsible for harmful algae blooms (HABs). HABs can make people ill, but they can kill dogs.

The following information comes from Webmd:

The algae produce two different toxins: one that causes neurological problems, and one that leads to liver failure, according to David Dorman, a professor of toxicology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Signs that a dog has ingested blue-green algae include twitching, weakness, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although it is more common to see symptoms within minutes or hours, it might be days before the toxins take effect.

Blue-green algae are commonly confused with green algae — both can create dense material on the water’s surface that can interfere with activities like swimming and fishing, and may have a similar smell, the Environmental Protection Agency says. But, unlike green algae, blue-green algae can be fatal.

You can read the full article here: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/news/20190814/toxic-algae-kills-dogs-across-the-country

During our inspection we did not see anything that looked like blue-green algae, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t present in the lake. We took a sample of an unusual material floating on the surface in the suspect area and will have an evaluation in the next few days. We are also waiting for an autopsy from the second dog.

Unfortunately, other than avoiding them, there is not much that can be done about them, though research in how to eliminate them has been ramped up in recent years. For now, it is important for everyone to stay vigilant and alert LYLPS if you see anything that looks like a HAB by emailing location and hopefully a picture to contact@littleyorklake.com or texting 607-218-2550.

View images of various types of algae blooms here so that you know if there is something you should report. You can review additional information on the DEC main HABs page here.

For the time being we recommend that people avoid using the lake in the affected area until we get additional information. We will post an update as soon as possible, hopefully around mid-week.

Treatment begins 6/18 at 10 a.m.

Signs are posted and the weather looks good for the first of our planned lake treatments. On Thursday morning we are treating the variable leaf milfoil. Treatment is scheduled to begin at approximately 10 a.m. and should take a few hours.

While there are minimal water use restrictions, we are asking boaters to stay off the lake during the treatment period. 

Check back here and we will post when the treatment is completed.