Monthly Archive: March 2015

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March 27, 2015

Summer Water Quality sampling on Green Lake begins on May 3rd and continues through October 18th. Sampling is done approximately every two weeks, on either 12 Sundays, or 12 Monday mornings.

The King County Lake Stewardship Program provides sampling equipment, training, and support. The samples are collected at an anchored float located at the deepest part of the Lake, approximately in front of the Hearthstone residences. This year’s sampling will continue the sampling done by Friends of Green Lake volunteers from kayaks every summer since 2004. The resulting data were used to help evaluate the effectiveness of the 2004 Alum Treatment and plan for the 2016 Treatment.
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Funding for Green Lake Study in 2015 City Budget

March 26, 2015

Councilmember Jean Godden and Councilmember Mike O’Brien sponsored a budget proposal to fund the studies and permitting necessary to treat Green Lake for toxic algae blooms. For three straight years, toxic algae blooms have kept swimmers and dogs out of the water in late summer and fall.

Many Green Lake users and supporters wrote letters to the City Council urging them to fund cleanup of the lake. In November, the City Council Budget Committee approved $300,000 in funding for Green Lake by a vote of 9-0.

This jewel of a lake will get studied in 2015, but funding for the actual treatment was not included in the 2015 budget.

With the allocation of adequate funding in the 2015 budget, Green Lake could be treated in spring 2015 instead of 2016.

Friends of Green Lake would like to see action taken on the alum treatment in 2015, to prevent closures in the summer and fall of 2015.

We urge the City Council and Parks Department to continue to explore what options may exist for keeping Green Lake open in 2015.

Warning Signs Against Swimming, Wading, Wet Water Boating at Green Lake Are Finally Coming Down!

March 26, 2015

The King County Department of Natural Resources test results for samples collected in January show microcystin levels to be within the guidance limits for recreational activities in the lake.

The current closure started in late summer in response to test results from samples collected that showed the highest levels of microcystin, a toxin produced by cyanobacteria commonly known as blue-green algae, than had ever been recorded at the lakeshore. The lake had remained clear for an extended time following an alum treatment in 2004, which lasted more than eight years, as expected.

Past experience has shown that the lake will most likely continue to suffer toxic algae blooms and recreational closures during late summer and fall 2015 if the lake is not treated early in the year.

Test results for Green Lake are posted at the nwtoxicalgae.org site. This site lists historical test results as well as the most recent. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the most recent testing. Lake visitors are reminded to keep in mind that the cyanobacteria (blue green algae) may show up at any time of the year, so always be alert and if in doubt stay out!

Minutes for March 24, 2015 Meeting

March 24, 2015

Friends of Green Lake Meeting, Tuesday 24 March 2015, Hearthstone Boardroom

Convened at 7:00 PM

Attendees:
Richard FlemingKaren SchurrEllen HewittMarcia NormanMaureen KwolekGaret MungerGuy Michaelson*Brian DeLucaGayle GarmanToni Higgs*
*new attendees

Introductions – around the table for current and new attendees. Initial comments by Richard, circulated FOGL RECENT CORRESPONDENCE binder for members’ review, then on to first order of business:

Ms. Toni Higgs discussed STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) as operating at the Hazel Wolf School (HWS – K through 8) at 520 NE Ravenna Blvd.
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Agenda for FOGL Meeting March 24, 2015

March 24, 2015

  • Room opens for socializing and conversation at 6:45 PM
  • Introductions
  • Richard Fleming
    • Recent Activities at Green Lake
  • Guy Michaelson
    • Design and Implementation of Natural Areas in Seattle’s Parks: The Experience at Magnuson Park
  • Rob Zisette
    • Update on Alum Treatment
  • Andrea Watts
    • Recent Activity: Shoreline Restoration and Maintenance
    • Hazel Wolf School, activity on Earth Day (April 22)
  • Ellen Hewitt
    • Webmaster’s Report
    • Updating the Webpage
  • Gayle Garman
    • Treasurer’s Report
  • Adjourn

Next Meeting April 28, 2015

Friends of Green Lake (FOGL) is a non-profit group in Seattle, Washington, whose mission is to ensure a healthy Green Lake for wildlife and recreation, for today and tomorrow.

Habitat Restoration/Maintenance Work Party Saturday March 14, 9am to 12 noon

March 3, 2015

Volunteers are invited! Come help get rid of blackberry and English ivy from shoreline habitat area at our most popular Green Lake. Give native shrubs along the shoreline a chance to grow and thrive. The work area for the morning will be along the eastern shoreline, a bit north of the Aqua Theatre. We will begin by mulching a previous FOGL planting and then move southward along the shore to remove blackberry and English ivy.

Be sure to dress for possible wet weather, and wear long sleeves to protect against blackberry thorns. Please no open toed shoes.

There will be a variety of tools for you to use and some gloves. If you have a favorite tool and your own gloves be sure to bring them along. Bring tools to share if you have extras.

We will meet along the path between the intersection of Kenwood and Kirkwood. Contact Maureen at mokwolek@comcast.net or 206-919-6630 or Andrea andwatts@live.com if you have questions, and especially to indicate you wish to join in.

Thanks for coming and sharing your views at the “Walk & Talk” discussions on Feb. 21!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the FOGL-led walk on February 21. Developing a restoration plan for Green Lake is one of FOGL’s priorities this year, and on this walk we received valuable feedback as to what areas around the lake should be the focus of restoration efforts. In the coming months we will present a restoration plan for review by FOGL’s members and Seattle Parks. If you would like to help with FOGL’s restoration efforts, join us for a Saturday work party.
Photos courtesy of Mickey and Karen Schurr. [tribulant_slideshow gallery_id=”17″ height=”240″ width=”320″]