Green Algae bloom Info from CRWA

Dear Partner Boathouses,

 

There is a cyanobacteria (a.k.a. blue-green algae) bloom in the Lower Charles River in the vicinity of the Longfellow Bridge.  Many of you have noticed the bright green water and “silly string” appearing strands.  Cyanobacteria have the potential to produce toxins which can adversely affect humans and dogs.  Please warn your members not to allow their dogs to drink this green water!  Additionally, they should avoid direct contact with the water as much as possible and wash their hands, arms and feet when they get off the water.  Common reactions include rashes, eye irritation, and possible gastrointestinal distress.  I have attached some educational materials prepared by CRWA, we plan to deliver hard copies of these to each of your boathouses either tomorrow or next Wednesday.  Additionally, here is a link to these materials on our website if you wish to pass it along to your members: http://www.crwa.org/water_quality/daily/recnotification.pdf

 

Those of you that have a yellow flag already, please fly it!  Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.  If any incidences of injury are observed that are thought to be the result of contact with the water, please contact the Dept. of Public Health: 617-624-5757. 

 

Finally, the Department of Public Health would appreciate your assistance in tracking the extent and severity of this bloom, if you have a camera (cell phone is great!) and can take a picture of what the water looks like at your location and e-mail it to me, that would be a great help!

 

Thank you,     

 

Julie Dyer Wood

Senior Scientist

Charles River Watershed Association

190 Park Road

Phone: (781) 788-0007 ext. 225

Fax: (781) 788-0057

Weston, MA 02493

This weekend on the Charles

Quite weekend ahead with no scheduled events posted on the calendar at http://www.boatboston.org/

 

but, we're sure to see an increase in powerboating and canoe/kayak/paddleboarding traffic, including those less familiar with the river.  Keep your eyes open and err on the side of caution. 

This weekend on the Charles

quiet weekend on the river.  However, WYC has given us the following heads up:

SATURDAY, June 16th, 9:00am  20 boats from WYC will be heading downriver and out through the locks for an excursion.  Rowers are reminded that power boats must use the center arches of bridges in both directions, and must use the Boston most arch of the BU Bridge in both directions.  Larger power boats have very little room to maneuver when approaching these arches.  So, if you are out on the water Saturday after 8:45am, please watch your backs (or fronts, in the case of dragon boats and canoe/kayak folks) particularly approaching bridges.

This Weekend on the Charles

Big event this weekend at Newton Yacht Club (but taking place all over the river).  On Saturday from 8am to 3pm, The Paralyzed Veteran's Fishing Tournament launches involving a variety of boats carrying veterans, some confined to wheelchairs.  Please - NO WAKE around these boats.  Please make sure that all of your coaches are aware of this event.

Your support and cooperation are appreciated.

Even MORE this weekend on the Charles

SUNDAY 11am to 4pm - CRI hosted WBUR Spring Festival.  Teaching lots of people to row in 3 barges and 8 - 8's.  It's going to be crowded by our docks, they go in 45 minute rotations so most of the boats will be cycling between N. Beacon and NYC.  We do have experienced cox'ns but the boats will be slow responding with new rowers.