The Jim LaBounty Best Paper Award is awarded annually for the Best Paper published in Lake and Reservoir Management. For 2025, members of the editorial board nominated seven papers from the last two issues 2024, and the first two issues 2025. The winner was chosen by multiple rounds of voting by the editorial board. For more information on the Jim LaBounty Best Paper Award and other nominated papers visit: The Jim LaBounty Best Paper Award 2025 – North American Lake Management Society (NALMS)
Winner of the 2025 Jim LaBounty Best Paper Award:
An evaluation of cyanobacterial occurrence and bloom development in Adirondack lakes
Rebecca M. Gorney, Elizabeth A. Nystrom, Michael D. Stouder, Ann St. Amand, Cory Sauve, Denise Clark, Erin A. Stelzer, Carrie E. Givens & Jennifer L. Graham. 2024 40(4): 373-389.
We monitored five lakes with and without documented cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (HABs) of cyanobacteria in New York’s Adirondack Park. Cyanobacteria were detected in all five lakes and sample locations. Our study found that cyanobacteria and bloom potential exist even in low-nutrient Adirondack lakes, meaning historical bloom records alone don’t predict future risk. These findings highlight the need for genetic and sediment monitoring to improve early detection and proactive strategies.