Lake Chelan Research Institute to present findings on shoreline algae growth

CHELAN - The Lake Chelan Research Institute will present new findings on periphyton growth along Lake Chelan's shoreline on October 24 at the Ruby Theatre in Chelan.

Dr. Nate Hough-Snee, a researcher with the Institute, will lead the presentation titled "What's That Stringy Green Stuff Growing on My Dock? An update on attached green algae (periphyton) along the shoreline of Lake Chelan." The event is scheduled from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

The talk is part of the "Ruby U" speaker series, initiated in 2024, to inform, educate, and challenge the community's understanding of the Chelan Valley and its future.

The study, funded by the Chelan County PUD Public Power Benefit Program, examines factors affecting Lake Chelan, including nutrient loads from post-fire erosion, failing and outdated septic systems, changes in lake hydrology, and point-source pollution.

Lake Chelan, known as 'Tsi—Laan' in the Salish language, is a natural glacial lake formed during the Pleistocene era. It reaches a maximum depth of 1,486 feet and is surrounded by a 924-square-mile watershed, primarily managed by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the North Cascades National Park.

The event is free to the public, with doors opening at 6:30 pm. It will be held at the Ruby Theatre, located at 135 E Woodin Ave, Chelan.

For more information about this and other upcoming Ruby U events, interested parties can visit the Ruby Theatre website at https://rubytheatre.com/ or call 509-687-3210.