Environmental Factors
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Invasive Species The National Parks including Lake Mead National Recreation Area are home to complex native communities of plants and animals that have developed over millions of years. This natural heritage is threatened by the invasion of exotic plants and animals. Green Algae Occasionally a bloom of Green Algae growth appears at some shoreline areas in Lake Mead. It takes several factors for algae to bloom such as abnormal weather conditions, (cold, then warm, then mild alternating over a several day period). “Swimmer’s Itch” “Swimmer’s Itch” is the name given to a condition caused by flatworm larva. The naturally occurring parasite needs ducks, snails and warm shallow waters to flourish. It is common in lakes in 30 states. While not a persistent, widespread problem, the “Swimmer’s Itch” parasite is believed to be present in Lakes Mead and Mohave. Restoring the Land The Arid Land Restoration Program restores damaged lands within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. |
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Did You Know?
In order to manage invasive plants on park lands, 16 Exotic Plant Management Teams (EPMT's) have been deployed throughout the country. The teams are a new weapon to combat exotic plants. The first test of the EPMT concept was made in 1996 at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. More...