Lake Hopatcong

New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Hopatcong, has been forced to close public beaches to swimming for several summers due to the presence of harmful algal blooms. Storm water runoff from the roads and properties, surrounding the lake; have carried phosphates and nitrates from lawn fertilizers, road run-off and septic systems into the lake, which toxin emitting algae thrive on. Climate Change has brought hotter summers and warmer winters, ideal conditions for the formation of harmful algal blooms. The short duration/high intensity summer storms that generate the large volumes of nutrient-laden storm water nourish the algae..

In an experimental manner, this short film resonates from imagery of the past and present. Visual metaphors are placed in juxtaposition, in a collage like manner. Using symbolic imagery that addresses the social implications, echoing mans celebration of life, yet destructive nature. Bertrand Island Amusement Park operated for over 70 years, and has been closed since 1983, due to competition from larger theme parks and Hopatcong’s evolution into an all-year-round community. Bertrand’s roller coaster appears, throughout the film, reminding the viewer of its once golden age.