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A Structured Decision-Making Framework for Managing Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms in New York State Parks

Scientific Investigations Report 2022-5053
Prepared in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20225053

Links

  • Document: Report (2.58 MB pdf) , XML
  • Additional Report Piece: Template (27.9 KB) - Blank template for a structured decision-making report on cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms
  • Appendixes:
    • Appendix 2 (2.00 MB pdf) - A Structured Decision Analysis for Prevention, Management, and Mitigation of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms at Moreau Lake State Park, New York—Results From a Structured Decision Making Workshop, February 10–14, 2020, Troy, New York
    • Appendix 3 (1.91 MB pdf) - A Structured Decision Analysis for Management and Mitigation of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms at Rockland Lake State Park—Results From a Structured Decision-Making Workshop, February 10–14, 2020, Troy, New York
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are increasingly a global water-quality concern because of the potential for these organisms to develop into potentially harmful blooms that affect ecological, economic, and public health. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) can lead to a decrease in water quality and affect many of the recreational and ecological benefits of parks that include lakes. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is a State agency within the New York State Executive Department charged with the operation of State parks and historic sites. Many New York State parks include lakes or other freshwater bodies, which can be susceptible to CyanoHABs. The OPRHP faces difficult decisions regarding prevention of and response to CyanoHABs. The U.S. Geological Survey partnered with the OPRHP and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to develop a structured decision-making template for managing CyanoHABs in OPRHP parks. Two parks, Moreau Lake State Park and Rockland Lake State Park, served as case studies to motivate and test the template. This report describes how the principles of structured decision making can be used to navigate the challenges associated with managing CyanoHABs in OPRHP parks. Management objectives and strategies for CyanoHABs in parks are described, strategies to evaluate consequences and manage tradeoffs are discussed, and potential challenges to the implementation of preferred alternatives are considered. General guidance is provided so the OPRHP can undertake the structured decision-making process for CyanoHABs in any of its parks. In addition, this report represents the first effort to create a strategy for applying decision analysis tools to the complex natural resource challenge of CyanoHAB mitigation and management. The case studies and template are intended to serve as an example that natural resource managers faced with CyanoHABs challenges can use to inform their decision-making processes.

Suggested Citation

Graham, J.L., Cebada Mora, G.M., Gorney, R.M., Ball, L.C., Mengelt, C., and Runge, M.C., 2022, A structured decision-making framework for managing cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in New York State parks: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2022–5053, 22 p., 3 app., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20225053.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Decision Analysis
  • Developing a Structured Decision-Making Template for Managing Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms
  • Undertaking a Structured Decision-Making Process for Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms in a New York State Park
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Template for Documenting a Park-Specific Structured Decision-Making Analysis of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms
  • Appendix 2. A Structured Decision Analysis for Prevention, Management, and Mitigation of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms at Moreau Lake State Park, New York—Results From a Structured Decision Making Workshop, February 10–14, 2020, Troy, New York
  • Appendix 3. A Structured Decision Analysis for Management and Mitigation of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms at Rockland Lake State Park—Results From a Structured Decision-Making Workshop, February 10–14, 2020, Troy, New York
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A structured decision-making framework for managing cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in New York State parks
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2022-5053
DOI 10.3133/sir20225053
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 22 p.; 3 Appendixes; Template
Country United States
State New York
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details