Waterline August 2026
- info245928
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
IN THIS ISSUE
Don’t miss WALPA’s 39th annual conference!
The WALPA Conference Committee
Registration is open for WALPA’s 39th Annual Conference (Oct 7–9, 2026, Bellingham)—three days of learning, networking, and celebrating “Lake Heroes: Critters and Champions,” - Register by Sept 14 for early bird rates!
The golden mussel: musseling into North America
by Brian Turner, PhD, Research Scientist, Aquatic Invasive Species Unit, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
With summer in full swing, it’s time to hit the water for some fun in the sun. Whether you’re swimming, fishing, or boating, aquatic activities have the potential to spread aquatic invasive species (AIS). This summer’s newest AIS of concern? The invasive freshwater golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei).
GOLD Sponsored Content
Water Quality Restoration at Long Lake – Thurston County, Washington
By Ryan Van Goethem, CLM - EutroPHIX
Long Lake is a 330-acre waterbody located in Lacey, Washington. The lake is a recreational resource for the region with a large public park and boat launch. The surrounding community and public use the lake extensively for boating, water skiing, and recreational fishing. Long Lake has experienced annual late summer episodes of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and the associated potential for toxin production. Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae thrive in waters that are considered eutrophic with elevated phosphorus.
Incremental progress on a complex problem: implementing the Lacamas Lakes Cyanobacteria Management Plan
By Zoe Rodriguez del Rey, Annear Water Resources; Mark Rosenkranz, Aquatic Insight; and Brian Monnin, City of Camas
Implementation is underway in Camas to turn the Lacamas, Round, and Fallen Leaf Lakes Cyanobacteria Management Plan into on-the-ground action. This article highlights two seasons of monitoring results, what they reveal about phosphorus and bloom risk, and how new watershed studies and expanded tributary monitoring will help target upstream sources and guide next steps.
GOLD Sponsored Content
Aquatechnex brings new tools to the fight for healthy waters
by Terry McNabb
Aquatechnex is rolling out several new tools this summer to help clients better understand and protect their waters—from advanced fisheries mapping and FAA-certified drone applications to invasive mussel treatment and satellite-based AIM monitoring that flags problems early. This article highlights what each tool does, why it matters for lake management, and where to learn more.
Congratulations to this year’s WALPA scholarship winners!
The WALPA Scholarship Committee
Congratulations to this year’s WALPA scholarship winners! Paloma Mireles and Ash Breault take home the honors this year. Paloma won the Dave Lamb Memorial Scholarship Winner ($1000) and Ash won the WALPA Undergraduate Scholarship ($500).
WALPA Is Hiring - Technical Editor and Graphic Designer Needed
The WALPA Board
WALPA is hiring a freelance Technical Editor/Graphic Designer to support quarterly newsletters and outreach. About 20–25 hours per quarter. Applications due August 21. Details at info@walpa.org.
May lakes workshop educates dozens about lake shoreline protection
By Pilar Deniston, Idaho Dept of Environmental Quality
Nearly 50 lake advocates gathered online for WALPA’s “Shared Shorelines and Watersheds” workshop to explore why shoreline stewardship matters for everyone who depends on healthy watersheds. Highlights include expert insights on aquatic plants, invasive species, shoreline programs, and practical management—plus a lively Q&A and links to the recording and resources.
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