The town of Cazenovia is compiling a database of email addresses of anyone that would like to be sent an email should there be a Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) event on Cazenovia Lake. The database is part of the town’s efforts to create protocols for HAB activity.
Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, mammals and birds. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal. While no HABs were reported on Cazenovia Lake in 2017, the previous year there were multiple occurrences.
If anyone notices water in the public access areas that has a green paint-like appearance, they are asked to notify the town office at 315-655-9213. Public access areas consist of Lakeland Park, Lakeside Park, Gypsy Bay Park and McNitt State Park.
Once the town is notified of a potential bloom, town officials will perform a test. If test results confirm a bloom, an email will immediately go out to interested residents. Additionally, signs will be installed in the affected areas and the advisory will be posted on the town and village websites.
Anyone who would like to be included in the town’s database should send an email to Tina McMurtrie at [email protected].
