![Harmful Algal Bloom Closes Stony Point, NY’s Lake Welch](https://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2022/07/attachment-Jess-2022-07-05T063456.018.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Harmful Algal Bloom Closes Stony Point, NY’s Lake Welch
If you're looking for a place to cool off the next few days, you may want to stay clear of Harriman State Park.
New York State Parks and Historic Sites made an announcement on July 1st, regarding a harmful algal bloom in Rockland County. In a statement they wrote:
Lake Welch Beach and Picnic Grounds in Harriman State Park are CLOSED until further notice due to a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) that has affected all of Lake Welch. The Lake's public boat launch has also been closed until further notice. The closures are necessary to protect public health and safety. Visitors should seek alternate locations for swimming and picnicking during the July 4th weekend and check back with the park for updates before planning their next visit to Lake Welch.
What is a Harmful Algal Bloom?
So what exactly is a Harmful Algal Bloom? According to the DEC it's triggered by water and environmental conditions. Conditions might include excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen "lots of sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, and warm temperatures."
HABS can come in different colors like shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. The DEC recommends that people, pets and livestock avoid water with floating mats, scums, or discolored water.
The DEC states that while most algae are harmless. However, they explain further writing:
Certain types of algae can grow quickly and form blooms, which can cover all or portions of a lake. Even large blooms are not necessarily harmful. However some species of algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to people and animals. Blooms of algal species that can produce toxins are referred to as harmful algal blooms
Lake Welch isn't the only body of water to have a confirmed case of HAB. The Department of Environmental Conservation has an interactive map that breaks down active and archived HAB cases.
As of July 5th, 2022, Lake Welch is still currently closed.
LEGOLAND Reveals Images of New Water Playground
Bear on Campus at SUNY New Paltz NY
More From 97.7/97.3 The Wolf
![New York State Police Looking For Missing Wappingers Falls Teen](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-e-14.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![When Was The Last Time The Hudson River Was Frozen Solid?](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-e-95.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Dog Ferociously Attacked at Popular Hudson Valley Park](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-e-94.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Are Stewart’s Shops Bringing Back The Fan Favorite Mountain Brew?](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-e-93.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![8 Bakeries That Sell Incredible Sourdough Bread around The Hudson Valley](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-e-91.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![2 Local Rescue Pups Star in 2025 Puppy Bowl](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-IMG_8230.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Do You Care About a TikTok Ban? The Hudson Valley Chimes In](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-e-90.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Saugerties Animal Shelter Helps You Get Over Your Ex with Cat Litter](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-e-89.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Watch the Incredible Video of New York Forest Rangers Rescuing a Moose](http://townsquare.media/site/706/files/2025/01/attachment-e-81.jpg?w=980&q=75)