Media Contact:  Matt Rabe, Public Affairs Office,

US Army Corps of Engineers (503) 808-4510

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

Gary Stevens, Jackson County Environmental Health

(541) 774-8206

July 19, 2006

Public health advisory lifted for Lost Creek Lake

A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Lost Creek Lake, located 25 miles NE of Medford, was lifted today by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Jackson County Health Department, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

The advisory went into effect on June 24, 2006.

“During an inspection of the Lost Creek Reservoir on July 5, 2006, Park Manager, Ron Howard was unable to detect any visible algae anywhere on the reservoir.  Dr. Stone recommended that the advisory remain in effect two weeks after the algae bloom dies off to allow ample time for toxins, which may be released when the algae die, to degrade to safe levels”.

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 US Army Corps of Engineers, Rogue River Basin Project  (541) 878-2255.

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

or call the Jackson County Health Department at (541) 774-8206.

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