Health Advisory in Effect at Branched Oak, Pawnee, Willow Creek Lakes

LINCOLN – A health advisory remains in effect for a second week at Branched Oak and Pawnee lakes in Lancaster County. Additionally, an advisory is in effect at Willow Creek Lake in Pierce County.

During testing earlier this week, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated levels of toxic blue-green algae at the lakes. Visitors to Branched Oak, Pawnee and Willow Creek state recreation areas should avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and camping are OK.

The lakes will be tested weekly through the summer months, and the health advisory will be lifted if the algae levels return to normal.

A park permit is required of each vehicle entering these parks.