Technical Contact:  Dave Stone, DHS  (971) 673-0444

                     Cheryl Walters, Umpqua National Forest (541) 957-3227

Release Date of October 13, 2006

Public Use Restriction Lifted for Lemolo Lake

A public use restriction prompted by high algae levels found in Lemolo Reservoir, also known as Lemolo Lake, located 72 miles east of Roseburg, was lifted today by the Umpqua National Forest, the Douglas County Health Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

The public use restriction went into effect on September 26, 2006.

“Water sampling by the Forest Service has confirmed reduced levels of blue-green algae that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals,” said Dave Stone, toxicologist with the Oregon DHS.

Stone advises people who recreate in Oregon water bodies to always be alert of signs of algae blooms.  People and their pets should avoid water contact if there are visible clumps of algae in the water. 

For local information contact the Umpqua National Forest at 541-672-6601, www.fs.fed.us/r6/umpqua.

For health information, contact Dave Stone, DHS toxicologist, at (971) 673-0444 or http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml  or call Douglas County Health Department at 541-464-3820.

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