Big Idea

• A warning has been issued for Granite Basin Lake, Horsethief Basin Lake and Mingus Lake
• An increase in vegetation growth has caused fish kill in the lakes
• This is a natural occurrence  for small bodies of water susceptible to higher water temps
• The situation is being investigated
• Read more…

Wading and full body contact is highly discouraged 

PRESCOTT, AZ – September 25, 2021 – Warning for Granite Basin Lake and Horsethief Basin Lake located on the Bradshaw Ranger District and Mingus Lake located on the Verde Ranger District: An increase in vegetation growth has occurred on Granite Basin Lake this summer. As the vegetation dies and decomposes there is greater biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). The consequence of high BOD causes low dissolved oxygen that stresses aquatic organisms. This has ultimately resulted in fish kill at Granite Basin Lake. This is a natural phenomenon that is normal for small bodies of water susceptible to higher water temperatures and high levels of vegetation growth. 

Wading and full body contact is highly discouraged at Granite Basin Lake, Horsethief Basin Lake and Mingus Lake as well any other Forest Lakes exhibiting similar fish die off.  The situation is being further investigated.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

For more information, please call the Bradshaw Ranger District at 928-443-8000 or Verde Ranger District at 928-567-4121.

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