A structured decision-making framework for managing cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in New York State parks

• DOI: 10.3133/sir20225053
• Publication Date: 2022-07-01T17:27:26Z
• Authors: Jennifer L. Graham; Gabriella M. Ceba...; Rebecca M. Gorney; Lianne C. Ball; Claudia Mengelt; Michael C. Runge
• Keywords: Geological survey; State agency

First posted July 1, 2022 For additional information, contact: Director, New York Water Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey425 Jordan RoadTroy, NY 12180–8349 Cyanobacteria are increasingly a global water-quality concern because of the potential for these organisms to develop into potentially harmful blooms that affect ecological, economic, and public health. Cyanobacterial algal (CyanoHABs) can lead decrease in water quality many recreational ecological benefits parks include lakes. The State Office Parks, Recreation Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is agency within Executive Department charged with operation historic sites. Many lakes or other freshwater bodies, which be susceptible CyanoHABs. OPRHP faces difficult decisions regarding prevention response U.S. Survey partnered Environmental Conservation structured decision-making template managing CyanoHABs parks. Two parks, Moreau Lake Park Rockland Park, served as case studies motivate test template. This report describes how principles decision making used navigate challenges associated Management objectives strategies described, evaluate consequences manage tradeoffs discussed, implementation preferred alternatives considered. General guidance provided so undertake process any its In addition, this represents first effort create strategy applying analysis tools complex natural resource challenge CyanoHAB mitigation management. intended serve an example managers faced use inform their processes.