September 1, 2006

Paulina Lake Blue-Green Algae Health Advisory Lifted

LA PINE—A health advisory prompted by high algae levels found in Paulina Lake and Creek, located 11 miles northeast of La Pine, was lifted Friday by the Deschutes National Forest, Deschutes County Health Department

and Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

The advisory went into effect on August 21.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 for 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 Deschutes National Forest at (541) 383-5300.

For health and fish consumption information, contact Ken Kauffman, Oregon DHS environmental health specialist, at (971) 673-0435 or log ontohttp://oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/maadvisories.shtml

or call the Deschutes County Health Department at (541) 322-7400.