Rice Lake experienced a heavy blue-green algae bloom (Aphanizomenon) starting in early July in 2010. This bloom, most likely caused by an overflow of nutrients in the watershed, has resulted in reducing the dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the lake and Elm Creek to record low levels. This severe reduction in DO is resulting in a fish kill, eliminating even the most hardy species of fish (bullhead and carp), although it is also taking it's toll on gamefish such as sunfish, crappie, bass and northern pike.
The following pages details some statistical data along with photographs of the impact the algae is having on our water bodies.
Algae blooms were experienced several times in July and August this year on Rice Lake.
George Schneider
Volunteer for MPCA
2010 - Algae Blooms in Rice Lake
Friday, July 9th - Tristan Bay heavy algae is present
Photos courtesy of George Schneider (RLAA Board Member)
Saturday, July 10th - Tristan Bay heavy algae breaking apat, but still very much present
Photos courtesy of Bill Kidder (RLAA Board Member)
Is this Blue Herron trying to tell us something about the poor water quality?
Monday, July 12th - Various photos from Rice Lake, Elm Creek, and the West Bay showing the contrast of no algae (West Bay) vs. moderate algae (Rice Lake) vs. extremely high levels of algae (Elm Creek)
Photos courtesy of Nika Rybinski (RLAA Board Member)
West Bay (west of I-94 where Elm Creek enters the lake)
Notice there is not much algae, but heavy vegetation (mostly native Coontail)
around the West Bay area.
Heavy growth of Coontail (good native plant).
Duckweed (light green) is a good native floating algae.
Interesting view of a "hole" within the Coontail.
As we get closer to the main lake, the presence of blue-green algae becomes obvious.
Elm Creek Dam (behind Maple Grove High School - taken Tuesday, July 13)
Various species including Carp and sunfish are at the top of the dam and below it.
Tuesday, August 3rd - Tristan Bay heavy algae is present
Photos courtesy of Bill Kidder (RLAA Board Member)
As of Tuesday morning, heavy green algae is showing up in the Tristan Bay area, as well as along portions of the main lake/shorelines. The current form of algae appears to be fully engraved into the water column - rather than seeing the normal 'grass clippings' type of algae, the water is actually competely green.
Wednesday, August 11th - Tristan Bay heavy algae is present again - where is it all coming from?
Photos courtesy of Bill Kidder (RLAA Board Member)
Thunder storms and heavy rains began around 3PM Tuesday and continued off & on most of the night… on Wed morning things seemed to be clearing up, but the sun & temps worked their magic on the algae biomass to produce some unappealing scenery and hints of the foul air that’s coming our way shortly.
