CLEARLAKE — The City of Clearlake is moving toward the creation of an Invasive Species Inspection Program (ISIP). The ISIP will be a volunteer-based program.
Area businessman Doug Codling will head the program working cooperatively with Public Works Director Doug Herren. Biologist Greg Giuisti, of UC Davis who has been appointed by the Lake County Board of Supervisors to head the county”s Invasive Species Council, will also be leading the initiative.
“I think this would be a great thing for our city,” Codling said. “It”s not going to cost us any money and more over, it is going to protect our lake.”
Codling said that volunteers will be responsible for overseeing launching activities at Redbud Park. Volunteers will have name badges and ideally vests identifying them as members of the ISIP. Volunteers are to provide information for the prevention of quagga and zebra mussel infestation and advise of the consequences of launching an infested or un-inspected boat.
Codling said volunteers will not be writing citations. He said if an un-inspected vessel is launched, volunteers are to note the boat”s identification number and immediately inform law enforcement of the violation.
Giuisti said similar volunteer-based programs are in operation in various north lake areas. He emphasized the importance of prevention stating that there are currently 18 lakes in California infested with quagga and/or zebra mussels. He said eradication, given current resources and technology, is impossible.
Giuisti said that the Lake County is considered to be ahead of the curve in its prevention efforts. He said that state agencies are looking at Lake County programs as models for establishing cohesive, effective prevention programs in other areas of the state.
“Having the City of Clearlake involved is a huge step forward,” Giuisti said.
Herren said that the program was tested at Redbud Park during the Fourth of July weekend. He said the program operated smoothly; however, suggested larger signage in the areas of the park”s three access points.
For more information regarding the Invasive Species Inspection Program, contact City Clerk Melissa Swanson at 994-8201, ext.106.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
