This is the first phase of a $15,000 long-term project to improve water quality and recreational opportunities at the lake. Carp like to nestle at the bottom of the lake, and when they swim, they kick up phosphorus sediments that rise up into the water column and lead to the spread of toxic blue-green algae.

“Every time you see a fish moving and it creates this muddy, smokey substance, that’s phosphorus going into the water column. With the right conditions, that phosphorus feeds the algae and the algae just multiples,” said FoVL Co-Chair Kathy Gillispie. “And the lake doesn’t have a chance because we don’t have enough water circulation. The flushing channel from the Columbia River does not bring in enough water to circulate the lake and push out to Lake River.