NORTH FORK – After the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) conducted water testing along the Merced River near Hites Cove as part of the wadeable streams assessment on 6/22/2021 and 6/23/2021 results show a high concentration of algae bloom.
The Sierra National Forest (SNF) would like to inform those visitors who like to enjoy this area of the Merced River and SNF, not to swim, wade or allow their pets to enjoy the water. This due to the Toxic Algal Mats that have formed and are present.
For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/SierraNF
While harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by algae or cyanobacteria that grow suspended in the water column (planktonic), some algae grow attached to the bottom (benthic zone) of water bodies and can form algal mats. Some species can produce toxins, and if present, can pose a risk to humans and pets.
For more information on toxic algal mats visit the Toxic Algal Mat FAQs web page https://go.usa.gov/x6hfa
