Press Releases
Posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 - General News
Experts to present findings from Vancouver Lake research
July 14, 2008
Contact:
- Jim Gladson, Clark County Public Works, (360)397-6118 Ext. 4398; jim.gladson@clark.wa.gov
Vancouver, WA - Findings from a one-year study of plankton in Vancouver Lake will be announced at the Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership's open public meeting Wednesday, July 16 at the Port of Vancouver administrative office Commission Room. The meeting is scheduled for 4-6 p.m., in the Commission Room at the port's administrative building.
Dr. Steve Bollens, director of science programs at Washington State University Vancouver, and Dr. Gretchen Rollwagen-Bollens, WSU Vancouver marine ecologist, will present the results of their one-year biotic assessment of the plankton in Vancouver Lake, from April 2007-March 2008.
The goals of the study were to assess the factors that may be influencing cyanobacteria blooms in the lake, in particular the abundance, distribution and taxonomic composition of the zooplankton (small aquatic invertebrate animals) which are potential grazers of the cyanobacteria. These bacterial blooms are the cause of periodic closures of the lake for recreational use, due to potential toxic effects on humans and animals.
Highlights of the presentation will include the first quantitative assessment of abundance, distribution and taxonomic composition of the phytoplankton (plant-like aquatic organisms) and zooplankton in the lake over a full annual cycle, as well as a spatial survey of the plankton to assess the geographic variability in abundance and composition throughout the lake. The WSU Vancouver study is part of a coordinated effort of the Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership to better understand what is controlling noxious cyanobacteria blooms in the lake as a means to making management decisions to help mitigate the blooms.
Bollens is also expected to present a request for further study of the lake in 2009.
The next meeting of the partnership will be Wednesday, August 20 from 4-6 p.m. at the port offices. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to present findings from its own bathymetry survey and modeling efforts, which will highlight the results of a year-long Corps study of the hydrology of the lake and its relationship to salmon habitat.
About the Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership
The Vancouver Lake Watershed Partnership is the result of efforts by the Port of Vancouver, City of Vancouver Department of Public Works, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, Clark County Department of Public Works and the Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association to bring federal, state and local public agencies with interest and jurisdiction over Vancouver Lake and its watershed, together with citizen stakeholders. For more information visit: www.vancouverlakepartnership.org.
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