By Peter MacRae
In reference to Terry Knight”s article on May 27 regarding the Quagga Mussel Prevention Program, the Clear Lake Foundation believes the Quagga Mussel Task Force has done an excellent job. Much of their efforts amount to pioneering. With respect to the issue of the re-inspection of returning vessels, the Clear Lake Foundation believes that the “clearance” should be visit specific.
When a vessel enters the county the boater is required to visit a “screening station.” There they respond to a questionnaire which focuses on where the vessel has been, how long it has been out of the water and whether or not it is clean and dry. If the vessel passes this questionnaire the boater is issued the “clearance stickers.” If not, there are additional measures in place. The Clear Lake Foundation believes the questionnaire should provide space to designate, and be limited to, the duration of the current visit. The boater would be issued a copy of the clearance questionnaire. As with the state requirement that the boater carries their vessel registration aboard so, too, they would be required to carry the clearance questionnaire aboard. Any law enforcement officer could ask to see their copy. Upon return visits the boater would merely re-affirm that their boat is clean and the clearance questionnaire would be updated for the return visit.
The Clear Lake Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public benefits corporation whose specific purpose is to raise funds, develop projects and foster local community and regional support in promoting, restoring and preserving the visual beauty, environmental and recreational bounty of Clear Lake.
Peter MacRae
Lakeport
Executive Director
Clear Lake Foundation
