07-09-2004, 12:31 AM
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Lincoln, Neb. – Although Lake 20 at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area has been temporarily closed to swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing and other activities in which there is physical contact with the water, the other 19 lakes on the area are open to activities as usual, according to Roger Stine, area superintendent.
In late May the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) found cyanobacteria, a form of blue-green algae that is harmful to people and animals, in Lake 20. The state took water samples after receiving reports that some dogs had died after drinking water from lakes in nearby Sarpy County.
People should avoid contact with water containing cyanobacteria because toxins found in the algae can cause itchiness, rashes and ulcers of the skin and swallowing the water could result in more serious problems, such as headaches, nausea, central abdominal pain, seizures, liver failure, respiratory arrest and even death.
Brian McManus, DEQ spokesman, said Lake 20 is still open to pleasure boating and fishing. He said fish taken from Lake 20 maybe safely consumed, provided anglers do not eat the fishes liver or pancreas.
“We want people to know that all of Fremont Lakes SRA is open and operating as usual, with the exception of Lake 20,” Stine said. “They shouldnt let problems at one lake deter their enjoyment of the rest of the area. There is still plenty of room for them to enjoy fishing, boating and camping.”
Fremont Lakes SRA is located three miles west of Fremont in Dodge County.
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Lincoln, Neb. – Although Lake 20 at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area has been temporarily closed to swimming, water-skiing, jet-skiing and other activities in which there is physical contact with the water, the other 19 lakes on the area are open to activities as usual, according to Roger Stine, area superintendent.
In late May the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) found cyanobacteria, a form of blue-green algae that is harmful to people and animals, in Lake 20. The state took water samples after receiving reports that some dogs had died after drinking water from lakes in nearby Sarpy County.
People should avoid contact with water containing cyanobacteria because toxins found in the algae can cause itchiness, rashes and ulcers of the skin and swallowing the water could result in more serious problems, such as headaches, nausea, central abdominal pain, seizures, liver failure, respiratory arrest and even death.
Brian McManus, DEQ spokesman, said Lake 20 is still open to pleasure boating and fishing. He said fish taken from Lake 20 maybe safely consumed, provided anglers do not eat the fishes liver or pancreas.
“We want people to know that all of Fremont Lakes SRA is open and operating as usual, with the exception of Lake 20,” Stine said. “They shouldnt let problems at one lake deter their enjoyment of the rest of the area. There is still plenty of room for them to enjoy fishing, boating and camping.”
Fremont Lakes SRA is located three miles west of Fremont in Dodge County.
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