Issued: September 9, 2015

Campsite Closures at Ryan Lake: Presence of Blue-Green Algae

Ontario Parks, the government organization responsible for the management of Algonquin Provincial Park, is reporting...

"Lab results have confirmed the presence of blue-green algae (genus Gleotrichia) on Ryan Lake near the Shall Lake Access Point in Algonquin Park. This form of algae can produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and animals. Ryan Lake is closed to overnight camping for the remainder of 2015.

The algae discovered in Ryan Lake are a different form of blue-green algae than what has been affecting Dickson Lake and Lake Lavieille. It is more subtle to detect and will not dramatically change the appearance of the water colour.

Contact with associated toxins may cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal problems if ingested. Park visitors using the canoe network through Ryan Lake should take the following precautions:

• People or pets should not drink lake water (even if treated or boiled);
• Do not use the water for food preparation or bathing;
• Minimize direct contact with the water surface; and
• If consuming fish, avoid eating the skin, organs, and fatty tissues.
  

Ontario Parks continues to work with other government agencies, partners, and researchers for any indication of what is causing these blooms.

For more information about blue-green algae please contact your local Health Unit.

Please refer to this website for future updates."

Related Information

• News Bulletin: Public Advisory – Dickson Lake and Lake Lavieille – Algae Present issued July 7, 2015
• News Bulletin: Dickson Lake and Lake Lavieille Algae Bloom Update issued February 17, 2015
• News Bulletin: Dickson Lake and Lake Lavieille Closed to Travel and Camping - Algae Bloom issued September 25, 2014
• News Bulletin: Sediment Coring the Bottom of Dickson Lake issued April 7, 2015
• Algonquin Park Canoe Routes Map
• Camping in the Backcountry