Last week, the St. Charles County Parks Department closed the lake at Indian Camp Creek Park in Foristell after a citizen reported possible blue-green algae in the water. Preliminary review by Parks staff of water samples indicate it was not blue-green algae; however, the samples were taken to submit to a lab and the lake is closed as a precaution until official results are in.

Situations like this are rare in St. Charles County Parks thanks to proactive efforts taken by the department. After this occurred, I talked with Ryan Graham, Parks Director, about how Parks staff monitor water and other natural resources to keep our 3,643 acres of parkland safe and vibrant. Here’s what I learned: