The UGLPOA Board of Trustees has been made aware of the recent advisory put out notifying the public of the Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) in Greenwood Lake. The UGLPOA has been vigilant of HABs and the threat they pose, and the Environmental and Weeds Committee have been diligent about assessing the health of our lake to try to minimize our risk as much as possible. HABs are caused by suitable environment conditions – sunlight, high nutrients, warm temperatures and calm water. This season we have had a lot of rain and with this run-off comes a high deposit of nutrients into our lake.
The water at the beach is tested weekly for bacteriological and chemical contaminates, and our Aquatic Analysts perform multi-site sampling bi-weekly throughout the lake. To date they have not observed any evidence of HABs in Upper Greenwood Lake. The UGLPOA Board of Trustees has been very conservative about treating aquatic vegetation “weeds” with herbicides as the dying and decaying plant matter greatly contributes to the nutrient load. “Weeds” are our bio-filter and are great for the health of the lake!!
Lastly, we are not at an increased risk because of the proximity to affected lakes, especially since we are upstream of these bodies of water. Furthermore, it cannot be spread from lake to lake by “hitch-hiking” on boats like other invasive species (milfoil, zebra mussels, etc.). We will continue to monitor our lake conditions and keep the public informed.
Ways YOU can help reduce nutrient rich conditions:
- Use only the minimal recommended amount of fertilizers on lawns; fertilizer run off is a major contributor to nutrient pollution and cited as one of the causes of the HAB at Lake Hopatcong. Consider using Phosphorus-Free and Nitrogen-free fertilizers!
- Maintain septic systems to prevent wastewater from entering the lake contributing to high nutrient levels and was also cited as one of the causal agents of the HAB at Lake Hopatcong.
- Never blow or dump leaves or grass clipping into the lake! Not only is this illegal but it too contributes to elevated nutrient levels. Please notify the office if you observe someone doing so.
Additional information can be found at: