MEDFORD — Oregon environmental officials have fined a U.S. Forest Service nursery that grows trees for national forests $8,800 for allowing a mat of algae to escape from a reservoir and pollute a creek.

The Mail Tribune reported Wednesday that the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality levied the fine against the J. Herbert Stone Nursery in Central Point.

The state agency says the nursery's seven-acre reservoir overflowed last July, and a bright turquoise mat of algae went downstream into Jackson Creek.

Although the algae proved nontoxic, the DEQ says it still reduced oxygen levels for fish in the creek.

Bill Meyers of the DEQ says the nursery has taken steps to prevent algae releases.

-- The Associated Press