Blue-Green Algae Information

The Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River Grassland encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae. Learn to tell the difference between regular and blue-green algae.

Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, are not algae but single celled bacterium that naturally occur in fresh and saltwater. Under certain conditions, they multiply into a large visible mass called a "bloom." These blooms can be associated with toxins and can cause harm to humans and animals.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) is engaged in ongoing monitoring of harmful algal blooms (HAB) in water bodies that have developed these blooms in the past, and may conduct toxicity sampling for Blue-green algae when blooms are present.  When warranted, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will release advisories for toxic algae blooms and Forest Service staff will ensure these advisories are posted in recreational areas. 

Lake Billy Chinook is currently under an OHA Advisory for Cyanobacteria and Toxins.