Willow Creek SRA is on health alert due to toxic algae

The Willow Creek State Recreation Area, southwest of Pierce, NE is on a health alert due to the levels of toxic algae found in the water.  Signs advising people are posted, and the swimming beach is CLOSED.

Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) assistant general manager, Ken Berney, says “Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but people are advised to avoid activities that could involve accidental ingesting of water, and to avoid full immersion in the water.  It is also important to keep your pets out of the water.”  Public areas for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities remain open.

To find out more about toxic algae, visit the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality website, the information is updated weekly:  http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/Beaches2016.xsp

The LENRD is working with the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor the toxic algae at Willow Creek.  We will post more information on this study as we receive it.