Lower Lake >> Environmental Directors Sarah Ryan and Karola Kennedy will present the results of their tribes’ Cyanotoxin Monitoring Program and the ways it affects both recreational use of the lake and drinking water at the Thursday, Feb. 18 Redbud Audubon Society program meeting, scheduled at 7 p.m. at the Lower Lake Community Methodist Church Social Hall.
Although the blue green algae (cyanobacteria) problem has plagued Clear Lake for decades, a more recent concern is the presence of cyanotoxins, present in and beneath algae mats that can prove poisonous to both humans and animals.
Since the Fall of 2014 Big Valley Rancheria and Elem Indian Colony have conducted regular testing for cyanotoxins produced by the algae blooms that have appeared in the lake annually.
Ryan and Kennedy will discuss the cyanotoxin “hot spots,” as well as show examples of how toxin levels aren’t necessarily linked to what the water quality looks like. The presentation will provide background to an important issue that is being dealt with worldwide.
Sarah Ryan has worked for the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians since 2001 and has headed their Environmental Protection Department since 2006. She works with environmental staff to respond to current environmental conditions and to protect natural resources that support the health and well-being of the Tribe. Ryan has worked on and chaired pertinent committees, both local and statewide, including the Clear Lake Advisory Committee, the CA Invasive Species Advisory Committee and the CalEPA Tribal Advisory Committee. She attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia and obtained a Bachelor’s in Government.
Karola Kennedy works for the Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians as the Environmental Director. She has been in the position and living in Lake County for two years. She is very passionate about the environmental issues in Lake County and Clear Lake. In her previous career she gained extensive experience in developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, as well as maintaining them over time. Kennedy attended the University of Nevada, Reno and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and received designation as an Engineer in Training.
Redbud Audubon programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments at 7 p.m., and the program begins at 7:15.
The social hall is located at 16255 Second St. in Lower Lake, across the parking lot from the church.
