The lake”s leadership needs to explain to the local taxpayers their reasoning to spend local funds to protect the lake from outside infestation of our lake. The problems are very real in dealing with both, Quagga, (Zebra) mussels and the weed, Hydrilla. Do they think that the local taxpayers have a duty to keep the quality of the lake at its highest level for the enjoyment of those folks who use and support it sparingly, during the year, while bringing these blights to lesson the quality of it.
I believe a fair value fee should be charged, to inspect equipment brought to the lake, that is a proven threat to the lake. Local persons should be employed and stationed at all public launching sites, charging a two-tiered fee, one for an inspection and a second for any protective actions taken, to destroy the two problems.
A clean boat should have a short dated sticker attached to it, showing it has been inspected by a qualified inspector. Resort owners should, in their own best interests, volunteer to be trained and make such inspections of all boats that arrive with there customers, charging the same fees, issuing the same stickers, to help fight the problem.
A numbered accounting system would be used for the stickers, and all funds collected, both at public sites and resorts, could gain funds to pay those public site employee”s, who could also be qualified to be lifeguards at the beaches, near the boat ramps, giving a measure of safety to both locals and vacationers who use the lake too. Safer public beaches add a positive for all local businesses to benefit from, as a service offered to there customers as well as local users.
Add to this first line of defense, the many local retiree”s, who would be more then glad to offer there time, to give relief to these inspector”s for breaks and lunches, and protect what is so loved about living in Lake County. We have seen a vast improvement in the quality of the water, the control of the insect population, and the improvement of many of its beach facilities, and the nationwide attention that has been gained by the wonderful quality fishing.
To take this issue lightly would be foolish, but, to put the cost on the backs of the local taxpayers, is wrong. Taxpayer input and ideas need to be solicited, and discussed openly, as this is a problem that needs the strength of many good minds to address.
Jim Hall
Clearlake Oaks
