Harmful algal blooms continue to plague the Finger Lakes, prompting Save Owasco Now to call for urgent action from the governor.
As harmful algal blooms continue to plague the Finger Lakes, Save Owasco Now is urging the governor to take action to protect the region’s waterbodies. The group plans to hold a meeting next Wednesday at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES to discuss the next steps in preserving Owasco Lake and forming partnerships with other lake organizations.
Harmful algal blooms are a serious environmental problem that can have devastating effects on freshwater lakes. These blooms are caused by an overgrowth of algae, which can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Algal blooms can also reduce the amount of oxygen in the water, which can kill fish and other aquatic life.
This year, the Finger Lakes have been hit hard by harmful blooms, with Canandaigua Lake experiencing its longest stretch of cyanobacteria activity since 2015. Save Owasco Now aims to pressure state officials to prioritize lake protection efforts.
Local officials and environmental groups have been at odds with the state over how to safeguard Owasco Lake, which provides drinking water to 45,000 residents. Despite calls for stronger action, the lake was excluded from key clean-up plans by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Save Owasco Now is calling on the governor to take a number of steps to address harmful algal blooms in the Finger Lakes. These steps include:
- Increasing funding for research into the causes and effects of harmful algal blooms.
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce nutrient pollution in the Finger Lakes.
- Creating a public awareness campaign about the dangers of harmful algal blooms.
By taking these steps, the governor can help to protect the Finger Lakes and ensure that they remain a vital resource for generations to come.
