Monitoring HCBs with the bloomWatch App
by Leah Hicks, NALMS Community-Based Science Intern
With the occurrence of harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs) increasing throughout the world, it is of the utmost importance to increase community awareness about water safety when cyanobacteria are present. Cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae, are small bacteria found in waterbodies throughout the world. They are some of the earth’s oldest living organisms. When some cyanobacteria are found in high concentrations they form blooms, which are characterized by a discoloration of the water (often ...
“Lakespert” – Algal rating system
Steve Lundt, CLM
“…signs, signs, everywhere a sign…”
And the lake sign should be an “Algalmeter.” Yes, an Algalmeter. I do get tired of signs, especially when I visit a beautiful lake, but I have recently created and installed an algal rating system at a local state park (Figure 1). I based it on the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and incorporated it with my lake monitoring events to help with public safety and awareness. Harmful algal blooms are important to understand, control, and are not well understood by the public. Thus, the need for ...
NALMS Stands Behind Climate Updates Backed By Scientists Around the Globe
by Gabriella Placido, NALMS Policy Intern
With the latest science indicating that current climate trends will bring calamitous worldwide impacts, scientists around the world continue to team up to sound the global climate alarm and to encourage necessary action for the greater good.
Startling updates from scientific organizations, such as May’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report, suggest that the rate of climate change acceleration continues to increase at a disturbing rate. In addition, last year NALMS was one of 111 professional aquatic scientific ...
Secchi Dip-In Data Update
The 2021 Secchi Dip-In officially starts this week!
WQX Upload Update
NALMS is ready for this year's Lakes Appreciation Month and the Secchi Dip-In! In preparation, intern Leah Hicks spent the past few weeks quality-assuring data submissions in the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System (AWQMS). A submission of all data from previous Dip-In events was made to the Federal Water Quality Exchange (WQX) and is now available for the public to view!
A total of 10,589 results were uploaded, bringing the overall number of results in the AWQMS and WQX databases to 128,715 ...
HABs Drinking Water Webinar Series
In collaboration with the USACE Invasive Species Leadership Team, Aquatic Plant Management Society, and American Water Works Association, NALMS is proud to offer a five-part summer webinar series focused on HABs and drinking water. In this series, our panel of experts will summarize the latest research and technical information on management strategies to encourage better integration and facilitation in the protection of drinking water.
06/23/21 - HAB Impacts to Drinking Water and Current Management Outlook
Start: 12:00 CDT
Other Information: HABs Drinking ...
2021 RESULTS: Lakes Appreciation Poster Contest
July has been Lakes Appreciation Month for the past 23 years. This spring, we invited elementary, middle, and high school students to submit posters reflecting on how important lakes are to all of us. Submitted artwork will be a big part of NALMS’ celebrations through July.
Due to the high quality of all the entries, our volunteer judges had a tough job deciding our three winners (one per grade category). Posters were judged on creativity and originality, how well they represented Lakes Appreciation Month, and overall presentation. We are excited to share the results ...
Call for NALMS Achievement Award Nominations
Through its annual achievement awards, NALMS recognizes the efforts of individuals, organizations, programs, and corporations who are making a notable impact in lake and reservoir management. Consider nominating a deserving individual or group for one of the following NALMS awards. The 2021 Achievement Awards will be presented at the 41st International Symposium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
NALMS accepts nominations in the following categories:
Leadership and Service Awards
Nominations should detail how individuals or teams demonstrate leadership, service, and practice ...
2021 Election: Call for Board Nominations
Nominations for the 2021 election are being accepted at this time!
NALMS is seeking candidates that will add diversity and breadth to the Board and its committees.
You could become a nominee for a position on the NALMS Board of Directors, to take a more active role in steering the direction of activities that relate to these precious resources. Experience or training in lake management is not required for a board position, and we encourage candidates with expertise in nonprofit management, leadership development, marketing, fundraising, legal issues and membership ...
New NALMS Merch Available
Just in time for summer, we are excited to share that we have some new designs available in our Bonfire online store! A percentage of your purchase price will go back to support NALMS and our programs.
NEW IN THE STORE:
NALMS Love Lakes Shirt - available in multiple styles and colors
NALMS Logo Women's Tanks - available in two styles and multiple colors
NALMS Logo Mug
NALMS Logo Tote - available in natural or the color of your choice
NALMS Face Mask - now available in youth size!
Make sure to take a photo of yourself sporting your official NALMS ...
“Lakespert” – Life in lakes now includes moss balls
Steve Lundt, CLM
There are three items on my career to-do list: be a guest on National Public Radio’s “Science Friday,” be invited to join a “think tank” about anything, and coin a term. If I can do all three, then I have done my part.
So far in my 22-year career in lake and reservoir management, I have at least coined a term: “lakespert.”
I will be sharing my experiences and thoughts on various hot topics that relate to the Lakeline theme. For this spring issue, “Life in Lakes” I would like to cover the topic of Marimo Balls, also known on ...
