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Letter from Chip Northrup

Keep the Glimmer, Lose the Slime

Dr Willard Harman of the Biological Field Station understands the biodynamics of toxic slime (“blue green algae”) and he knows what can be done to mitigate their blooms — which may become chronic if left unaddressed — in which case lake water would become non-potable, fish would die, and people would get sick. The Biological Field Station is going to come up with plans to attempt to address the problem —before Glimmerglass Lake becomes Pea Soup Pond.

Other watersheds have had this problem, other watersheds have addressed the problem, other watersheds have solved the problem. We are fortunate that we have Dr. Harman and the Biological Field Station to attempt to keep the glimmer in Glimmerglass without mercilessly maligning mussels.

Chip Northrup
Cooperstown

Posted

4 Comments

  1. We’ve been told that the zebra and quogga mussels are an invasive species and harmful to our lake’s ecosystem. I’m certainly not second guessing an expert but I would like to understand why they shouldn’t be maligned. I realize that we have native species of mussels in Otsego Lake and I used to see them frequently in the shallow water near our shore. I haven’t seen them in decades. It would be helpful if those of us who are not experts could understand the benefits of mussels that are not native to our lake.

  2. We’ve been told that the zebra and quogga mussels are an invasive species and harmful to our lake’s ecosystem. I’m certainly not second guessing an expert but I would like to understand why they shouldn’t be maligned. I realize that we have native species of mussels in Otsego Lake and I used to see them frequently in the shallow water near our shore. I haven’t seen them in decades. It would be helpful if those of us who are not experts could understand the benefits of mussels that are not native to our lake.

  3. Cripes Chip put the jug down and get your mind offs them mussels! Lol, just joshing ole buddy! Hey next time you’re in the hood, stop in for snort.

  4. Cripes Chip put the jug down and get your mind offs them mussels! Lol, just joshing ole buddy! Hey next time you’re in the hood, stop in for snort.

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