Algal mat alert lifted in Strasburg
The Virginia Department of Health lifted the Algal Mat alerts for the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near the Town of Strasburg for the season.
The Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Task Force suspends operation at the end of October each year as the recreational swimming season ends.
The cooling of water temperatures naturally lowers the concentration of cyanobacteria.
Suspending HAB Task Force response during the cooler months also allows for the conservation of resources to focus on peak recreational use.
The original mat alert began north of Strasburg near Route 644 and continued 11.5 miles near Route 611.
For more information on harmful algal blooms and their effects, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Algal Mat Alert for Shenandoah River
The Virginia Department of Health and Lord Fairfax Health District issued an Algal Mat Alert by email for the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near Strasburg.
The affected area begins at Route 644 and continues for approximately 11.5 miles to Route 611 including the boat ramp at Deer Rapids and other public access points.
Signs have been posted along the shore and at those access points.
Recreation may continue in those areas as long as the algae mats can be avoided.
Pets and livestock are recommended to be kept out of the water to avoid the mats as they may cause gastrointestinal illnesses and skin rashes.
Cyanotoxins levels were below or just above detection levels and contact with the mats can release more toxins.
Consuming cyanotoxins can be fatal for animals.
No disturbances to the town’s drinking water have been observed at this time.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
River Report: 7-11-22
In our latest Shenandoah River Report, Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf has some details about this weekend’s Riverpalooza snorkeling event on the Shenandoah. Brought to you by Front Royal Outdoors. Don Roberts can help you plan your next South Fork adventure! Visit https://frontroyaloutdoors.com for details!
River Report: 4-22-22
In today’s Shenandoah River Report, Riverkeeper Mark Frondorf talks about the clean up as part of Earth Day. Mark also has tips on how we can help keep Mother Earth clean. Brought to you by Front Royal Outdoors. Visit them at https://frontroyaloutdoors.com
Sports Dogs Podcast: Checking In With FR Golf Club
The Golf season is underway, and in this edition of the SDPC, we chat with Louis Nicholls of the Front Royal Golf Club, who updates you on the condition of the course, as well as other recreational activities are available to the general public. Grab your clubs, and play a few rounds this year at Front Royal Golf Club!!!
News Maker David Brotman on FNFSR Fundraiser Sat. Oct. 2
We continue talking with David Brotman Executive Director of The Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River in today’s News Maker.
Today David tells us about fishing on the Shenandoah River as well as this Saturday’s Oct. 2 fundraiser.
David also tells us how the FNFSR oversees the Seven Bends State Park as well.
The good news is brought to you by the town of Front Royal.
Click here for the News Maker.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VDH lifts advisory of harmful algae bloom
The Virginia Department of Health has lifted the recreational advisory due to a harmful algae bloom on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River in Shenandoah and Warren Counties from Chapman’s Landing to Riverton. Approximately a 52 mile segment of the river was placed under a recreational advisory on August 10 due to widespread algal mats, which contained both cyanobacteria cells and toxins at elevated levels. Virginia Department of Health remindsthe public to be aware that while the bloom appears to have dissipated based on recent observations and testing, it is possible for algal blooms to reappear when there is adequate sunlight, nutrients and warmer temperatures to make conditions favorable for algal growth.
Caution advised when using the Shenandoah River this weekend
Caution is advised while enjoying the Shenandoah River this holiday weekend.
Where the river isn’t at flood stage right now it is moving swiftly.
The Shenandoah is also very muddy which will prevent you from seeing debris like downed trees under the surface.
Also be aware of heavy drift and under current and always wear your life vest.
As River Keeper Mark Frondorf will always say respect the Shenandoah.
Click here for the latest river report and update from Mark and the River Keepers.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
SNP bans all fishing
Effective immediately all streams and rivers are closed to fishing in the Shenandoah National Park (SNP).
Despite the recent rains so far streams and groundwater have not sufficiently recovered from the recent dry conditions.
Low stream flows are reported throughout the park with some water ways completely dry with high water temperatures.
Those conditions can be fatal to fish.
The closures to fishing includes both open to harvest as well as catch and release waters.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
SCSO expands the algae bloom on the Shenandoah
Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and Virginia Department of Health have expanded the algae bloom warning on the Shenandoah River.
Despite the recent rains the Virginia Department of Health have found additional toxic algae blooms in the Edinburg area.
People and pets should avoid the river in Edinburg northward.
Any questions can be directed to the SCSO at (540) 459-6100.
There is an in depth talk with River Keeper Mark Frondorf about the blooms here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.