NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed July to be “Lakes Appreciation Month” in North Dakota, a state that is covered with over 4,500 lakes.

To commemorate the month, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) encourages people to get out and explore the many lakes in their area.

With around 400 lakes accessible to the public, there is a wide selection to enjoy during your next camping adventure or for a day on the boat.

DEQ says there are many other fun activities people can do at our lakes, such as biking or hiking, or even volunteering at local lake festivals.

They also encourage people to consider organizing a community clean-up project this month, which includes keeping our local lakes nice for everyone to enjoy for the rest of the summer.

“We want to remind people to get out and have fun, but we also want them to take care of our water bodies,” expressed Emily Brazil, an environmental scientist for DEQ.

Brazil also warns people to keep an eye out for harmful algal blooms, that may be present in some lakes this time of year.

She explained, “When you see them, they can be this bright blue pigment or very vibrant green and they can produce toxins.”

Brazil adds that the toxins found in blue-green algae — a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria — can be harmful to both pets and humans.

Some people can develop a skin rash or get sick if they come into contact with the bacteria.

She advises that if anyone sees the algae growing in a lake, they should contact DEQ , who will come out to get a sample and have it analyzed.

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