Algae blooms have occurred on Little Hickory in 2018 and in 2019. Although the cyanobacteria levels based on test results were not high enough to trigger health concerns (less than 70,000), after consulting with the Department of Public Health the water body was closed for recreational purposes. Other areas of Hickory Hills also experienced smaller blooms.
In September of 2019 a Request for Immediate Professional Consulting Services at Little Hickory was distributed and a contract was executed with ESS Group, an environmental consulting & engineering service. The LMG is currently developing a plan to implement mitigation measures on Little Hickory based on recommendations by ESS Group.