Sept. 26, 2005           

Contact:  Bonnie Widerburg (503) 731-4180

Technical Contacts:  Dave Stone, DHS (503971) 673-0444

 Patti Rodgers, Willamette National Forest (541) 225-6305

Public health advisory lifted for Goodman Creek Arm at Lookout Point Reservoir

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Goodman Creek Arm at Lookout Point Reservoir, located 14 miles west of Oakridge adjacent to Hardesty Mtn. Trailhead (Trail No. 3469), was lifted today by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Willamette National Forest.

The advisory went into effect on July 12.

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

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 Patti Rodgers, Willamette National Forest at (541) 225-6305 or on the web at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/

For health information, contact Dave Stone, DHS toxicologist, at (971) 673-0444 or http://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml 

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