Boating-safety push amid winds/heat/spill/invasives/fires/storms/HABs
Key Questions
When does the KDHE harmful algal bloom (HAB) response program become active?
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) activates its HAB response program on April 1 each year. This season has started, with scum warnings and public health advisories issued for affected areas.
Which Kansas lakes currently have blue-green algae advisories?
KDHE has issued public health advisories for harmful algal blooms at three Kansas lakes, including Frontenac Lake and locations in King and Lyon areas. One advisory covers a lake in Sedgwick County.
What boating safety measures are recommended during current weather and environmental conditions?
Boaters should wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) and follow clean, drain, dry protocols to prevent invasive species spread amid gusty winds, fires, spills, runoff, and storms at sites like Elbo and Tuttle. Pre-season checklists and enforcement are ongoing.
Are there recent reports of invasive mussels in the region?
Mussel intercepts have occurred from Wyoming and Oklahoma. Boaters are urged to practice clean, drain, dry procedures to avoid spreading invasives.
What are the latest updates from conservation efforts?
Riley Conservation provided updates on April 1, including a board meeting discussion. Ongoing pre-season checklists and enforcement support boating safety amid HABs and other hazards.
KDHE HAB response active Apr1 w/ scum warnings + advisories Frontenac/King/Afton; WY/OK mussel intercepts; PFD/clean/drain/dry amid gusts/fires/spill/runoff/new storm forecasts for Elbo/Tuttle; Riley Conservation 4/1 updates. Pre-season checklists/enforcement; avoid scum/report blooms. Winds heighten dock/boat risks.