| Author | Message | ||
| J_c_outdoors
Bluegill Username: J_c_outdoors Post Number: 202 Registered: 3-2009 Rating: N/A |
Postponing our championship September 10-11 was a tough call but I had peace with it when I did it. I had no idea about this problem until Sunday afternoon while doing the weigh in at Bass Pro Shops. I had to make a decision and make it quick to help avoid anglers pre fishing expense and exposure to the algae. The Lord is always faithful and gives us confirmation of our decisions in many cases. While I did not doubt that I made the right call this upgrade in the warning gives me more peace of mind. I hate it for the marina owners and the business community overall, this is a big weekend for them and the last financial boost before a long slow fall and winter. Long Read But Interesting By JONATHAN CANNON Herald Democrat With Labor Day weekend approaching and the hot temperatures expected to continue through Sunday, Lake Texoma may be calling many area residents, but for swimming and water sports it won’t be a viable option this year. On Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expanded the warning for blue-green algae in Lake Texoma to include the entire lake. The algae, which is found in small concentrations in most lakes, can release dangerous toxins during hot, dry conditions like the area has experienced over the past several months. The conditions can cause the algae to bloom and multiply releasing the toxins. The Corps issued an advisory for all of the lake and a warning for the western section on Friday, but with the increase in the warning level skin contact with the water in any part of the lake is prohibited. “At the warning level, harmful algae are present, and the water is considered unsafe for people and pets,” states a Corps press release. Corps Spokesman Nate Herring said, “It’s difficult to say what the impact (of the restrictions) will be” on the number of visitors this weekend. Last month, which included the Fourth of July holiday, the Corps recorded over a million visitors to the lake. Herring emphasized that there are still activities for lake-goers. “We do still have our recreational areas open and boating is still permitted on the lake. It’s mainly body contact that’s prohibited,” he said. Boaters should use caution, however, and watch their speed. Herring said the high speeds can cause spray, which is dangerous if inhaled. Their vigilance is especially important with the particular type of blue-green algae that is being found in Lake Texoma. Called, cylindrospermopsis, this type of blue-green algae bloom does not look like other blooms that form mats, scum, foam or have the characteristic “spilled paint” look. “This bloom is a sub-surface bloom of significant magnitude,” said Lt. Col. Eugene Snyman, deputy commander of the Corps’ Tulsa District. Meaning boaters may not be able to see the algae to know if they are driving into it. “That’s one of the reasons it’s important for people to take these warnings seriously because even though (the algae) may not be visible, it doesn’t mean it’s not there, and it may still be dangerous.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin contact with toxins from harmful algae like blue-green algae can cause skin irritation; inhaling water droplets can cause runny eyes and nose, a sore throat, asthma-like symptoms or allergic reactions; and swallowing the water can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting and affect the liver, kidney and neurosystem. “It is very important that the public is well informed and able to assess the adverse health risk this bloom poses to them and their families as they make their weekend plans at Lake Texoma,” Snyman said. While skin contact is prohibited, in addition to boating, visitors can also grab a pole on their way to Lake Texoma this weekend. Herring said they only need to rinse their catch with clean water before cleaning and only eat the fillets. | ||
| Nyyankee
Lunker Username: Nyyankee Post Number: 1168 Registered: 8-2008  Rating: N/A |
Poor mudpuddle boyz........need some rain. |
