The Clear Lake Foundation is encouraged by actions taken at the June 17 Quagga Mussel Prevention Program Task Force meeting. The decision was made to divide the program into its components with select task force members serving on sub-committees for each component. Those sub-committees are to recommend a plan for their assigned component.
In addition, the Clear Lake Foundation supports the no nonsense approach to enforcement and is therefore very encouraged by Sheriff Mitchell”s statement that his officers will now issue citations to every vessel not in compliance with the county”s quagga mussel ordinance. The county is likely to rewrite the ordinance making violations a misdemeanor rather than an infraction. That action will greatly increase the amount of the fine. The word among boaters will spread.
Finally, the foundation is gratified at the increase in publicity and education for the program. Public awareness as to the seriousness of the potential consequences of quagga mussel infestation is critical. The public needs to be acutely aware of the devastating ecological and economic impact of quagga mussel infestation. If they colonize the water supply system, keeping that system clean will cost millions of dollars on a continual basis. Because of their feeding and filtration process, the quagga mussel will dramatically disrupt the plankton, water clarity and weed growth cycle such that fish populations could plummet. Much of the tourist base of Lake County”s economy is dependent upon a healthy lake and healthy fish stocks. It is important that the public be knowledgeable as to their role in the prevention of quagga mussel infestation and the cost of non-compliance with the county quagga mussel ordinance.
Many people, and the organizations that some of them represent, have expressed their frustrations as to the lack of leadership and a cohesive plan in place for the quagga mussel prevention program. The Clear Lake Foundation has shared those frustrations and concerns. In a proposal to the board of supervisors dated Feb. 19 the foundation stated that it was time to synthesize all the thoughtful ideas that have been generated within the quagga mussel task force into a coherent, workable plan. Further, that proposal asserted that, as accurately as possible, the cost pro-forma should be immediately developed for the plan so that fundraising efforts could begin.
The Clear Lake Foundation will continue to take a great interest in the full implementation of a viable quagga mussel prevention program. The foundation trusts that this new vigor is not short-lived.
Peter MacRae is the executive director of the Clear Lake Foundation headquartered in Lakeport.
