LAKE COUNTY ? Discussion focused on enforcement of requirements for boats on Clear Lake to have quagga mussel inspection stickers in a Tuesday presentation by Sgt. Dennis Ostini of the Lake County Sheriff”s Office to the Lake County Board of Supervisors.
“We”ve had a number of boaters who have had violations of the ordinance that this body had adopted and has implemented, and there was only a few citations issued. There is a nexus of concern that if this lake does become infested with an invasive species, we”re going to have a downturn in tourism, which directly affects the whole economy,” Supervisor Anthony Farrington said.
Ostini said he believed most people were in compliance with the county ordinance, which requires boaters to have their boats inspected for the invasive quagga mussel before launching in the lake. He said the key was to stop violators before getting in the water.
“Unfortunately when we get a chance to contact these people, it”s too late, the boat is already in the water,” Ostini said.
He said his office plans to do random launch ramp inspections and perform more enforcement specifically relating to issuing citations.
Ostini also recommended the board consider mandatory boating safety courses, and planned to conduct prevention efforts targeting boating under the influence of alcohol. He said he plans to hold Clear Lake”s first checkpoint for boating under the influence of alcohol. He said he also has the staff this year to conduct more random nighttime enforcement operations.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
