Citizens around Lake Cascade are lucky to live so close to nature with its inspiring beauty. However, in the water lurks a green scourge ... cyanobacteria (aka toxic producing algae). Four consecutive late summer harmful algae bloom Health Advisories have been posted and this increased frequency has many residents and visitors worried. Our community is concerned about the water quality in Idaho's Lake Cascade which plays a vital role in our health, tourism-driven economy, real estate values, safe drinking water supply and legacy for future generations.

What we do:

Since 2018, our volunteers have been a strong voice for clean water. Through educational programs and collaboration with local-state-federal agencies, we help people understand the North Fork Payette River Watershed problems and the scientific solutions needed to reduce nutrient pollution contributions that feed harmful cyanobacteria blooms. Our volunteer citizen focus areas are:

• Community outreach

• Water quality monitoring for early bloom detection & response

• Substandard septic systems

• Animal wastes in riparian buffer zones

• Dust, Erosion and Stormwater Pollution Prevention

• Fertilizer usage

• Water temperature

• Wetlands restoration and protection

Friends of Lake Cascade is an initiative within Horizons' Lifestyle and Education Team, a 501(c)(3) organization in Cascade. 

This website is a citizen scientist viewpoint.  Images and information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall awareness.  The information should not be considered exhaustive and it is not intended to be regulatory, health or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate professionals.