Arts & Entertainment
Water Wisdom: Nine strategies to prevent algae blooms
Published
5 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Stephanie Lynn EBS CONTRIBUTOR
We are lucky to live, work, and play in the headwaters of a river system that sustains world-class fishing, paddling and scenery. However, nuisance algae growing in the Gallatin and streams that nourish it threatens our outdoor economy and lifestyle. In this second installment about the 2018 algae bloom, we’ll discuss strategies that will make the Gallatin more resilient going forward.
As a community, we can improve the resilience of our rivers and streams by reducing man-made nutrient pollution and conserving water. Let’s protect our clean water, healthy fisheries and way of life, even as Big Sky grows and our climate changes.
Individually and as a community, we can avoid blooms by reducing nutrient pollution which fuels excess algae growth.
- Properly maintaining septic systems. Similar to a car or appliance, septic systems require care, annual inspections and regular maintenance to properly treat wastewater. Failing systems leak nutrients and bacteria into groundwater and, eventually, rivers and streams.
- Reducing fertilizer use. Fertilizer feeds plants growing in lawns and gardens, but can contribute to elevated nutrients in water bodies. Trout-friendly practices, such as planting native species that require less maintenance or using organic fertilizers, reduce the nutrient footprint of outdoor landscapes.
- Managing animal waste. Picking up pet waste and properly maintaining horse corrals near streams benefits your neighbors while preventing nutrients and bacteria from being carried by runoff to the river.
- Maintaining and enhancing streamside buffers. Preserving a green ribbon of plant life on the banks of rivers and streams prevents erosion, uses nutrients and protects water quality.
- Improving stormwater management. Rain and snowmelt pick up and carry pollutants when they flow across parking lots and roads. Capturing and treating stormwater can remove contaminants before they reach rivers and streams.
- Upgrading wastewater treatment. Big Sky reuses treated wastewater to irrigate golf courses throughout the community, which may runoff into rivers and streams. Improvements to the Big Sky Water and Sewer District treatment plant will reduce nutrient levels in treated effluent used for irrigation by 70-75 percent for nitrogen and 90 percent for phosphorus.
Additionally, when we save water, we ensure adequate supply to our river system, which keeps water temperatures cool and prevents algae growth.
- Reducing indoor and outdoor water use. Every drop of water saved in homes and on landscapes remains in the groundwater and river system. Efficient practices, including purchasing water-saving products through the Gallatin River Task Force rebate program, reducing personal use and improving outdoor irrigation practices, keeps water in the river.
- Restoring wetlands and streamside areas. Wetlands and streamside areas act like sponges by capturing water during wet periods and releasing water during dry periods. This helps to maintain water levels throughout the year.
- Slowing water as it flows through the system. Wastewater reuse and stormwater management options that promote infiltration into the ground cause water to move more slowly through the watershed.
Algae blooms could become more severe as our community grows and water temperatures warm. Individual actions and community planning will be vital to protect our water, fisheries and lifestyle for future generations.
Visit gallatinrivertaskforce.org/riversmarts for more information about how you can protect river health.
Stephanie Lynn is the education and communications coordinator for the Gallatin River Task Force.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
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Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
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Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
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(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd