On Monday, September 16th, the Moses Lake Watershed Council and the Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD), along with our partner organizations, hosted the Third Annual “State of Our Lake” meeting at the Civic Center Council Chambers in Moses Lake. The event brought together over 50 community members, local leaders, and environmental experts to discuss the current state of Moses Lake's water quality and ongoing efforts to address its water quality challenges.
Photo of agency representatives (Courtesy of Kaley Wisher, CBCD Conservation Biologist)
The "State of Our Lake" meeting continues to serve as a vital platform for updating the general public on the condition of Moses Lake and providing additional information about toxic blue-green algae blooms. Attendees were able to hear directly from experts on what actions are being taken to better understand, improve, and protect Moses Lake's water, while also engaging with representatives from a variety of local organizations involved in the lake’s preservation.
Over the past three years, the water quality of Moses Lake has improved significantly. On behalf of the Moses Lake Watershed Council, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our community for the overwhelming support.
- Ron Sawyer, Moses Lake Water Quality Program Manager
On the left: Ronnie Sawyer, Moses Lake Water Quality Program Manager at the CBCD table. On the right: Ronnie Sawyer and Yazmin Mejia, CBCD Administrative Assistant serving refreshments at the meeting (Courtesy of Kaley Wisher)
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Ryan Van Goethem of EutroPHIX on the Rocky Ford Arm Phosphorus Mitigation Project. Phosphorus, a major contributor to harmful algae growth, has been an ongoing challenge in Moses Lake. During his presentation, he showcased a video produced by EutroPHIX called “Lake & Pond Heroes - Moses Lake.” The video provided attendees with a closer look at the efforts of the Rocky Ford Arm Phosphorus Mitigation Project, which aims to improve the lake's overall water quality. This important pilot project was funded in the FY2023 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill with support from Congressman Dan Newhouse.
The success of the State of Our Lake meeting can largely be attributed to the dedication and collaboration of various agencies and individuals committed to protecting the lake. Special thanks are extended to key agency representatives: Brad Mitchell, Street/Stormwater Manager at the City of Moses Lake; Arin Swinger, Commissioner of the Grant County Tourism Commission; Sam Castro, Manager of the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District; Ty Swartout, Citizen Representative; Marnie Miller Keas from the Washington State Department of Ecology; Mike Schmuck and Chad Jackson from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Stephanie Shopbell and Kelsey Jacobs from the Grant County Health District; and Kristina Ribellia and MLWC Chair, Ron Sawyer of the Columbia Basin Conservation District.
This meeting was made possible by the support of the Columbia Basin Conservation District, the City of Moses Lake, Moses Lake Watershed Council, Grant County Health District, Grant County Tourism Commission, Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Washington State Department of Ecology. These organizations continue to work hand-in-hand to ensure that Moses Lake remains a valuable resource for the community, now and in the future.
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