the film
forum
library
tutorial
contact
Ecology and salmon related articles

Walla Walla's McNary Wildlife Refuge
Reopens Sloughs 3 & 4

by Erin Wencl
YakTri News, October 31, 2022

The sloughs were closed back in August of 2022 when toxic blue algae
was found at unsafe levels in water samples.

Water resembling pea soup should be avoided by fishers, swimmers and boaters. WALLA WALLA -- The Walla Walla Department of Community Health, in coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, has opened sloughs 3 and 4 at the McNary Wildlife Refuge.

The sloughs were closed back in August after water samples showed high levels of cyanobacteria. This is commonly known as blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae can be harmful to people, pets and livestock.

The WWCDCH and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service continued to monitor the levels found at the McNary Wildlife Refuge where weekly testing was done.

As of Monday, the results of this testing show sloughs 3 and 4 are now safe for recreational use.

Related Pages:
Want a Family-fun Time Learning about Snake Dams and Fish? Head to RiverFest this Weekend by Editorial Board, Tri-City Herald, 10/6/22
Health Officials: Water at McNary Wildlife Refuge Still Toxic in Some Areas by Staff, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, 9/7/22
Shock of Deadly Nerve Toxins in Columbia River at Tri-Cities Prompts New Warnings by Erin Wencl, Tri-City Herald, 7/11/22


Erin Wencl
Walla Walla's McNary Wildlife Refuge Reopens Sloughs 3 & 4
YakTri News, October 31, 2022

See what you can learn

learn more on topics covered in the film
see the video
read the script
learn the songs
discussion forum
salmon animation