I have been following the quagga mussel sticker programs from the beginning.
I am wondering when it will finally have a protocol that we can take to the bank.
Do not get me wrong, we need a program to protect the lake from these invasive mussels.
The problem I have is every time I turn around the rules are being changed.
When the program was first started, non-resident boats needed an inspection and then paid a fee to receive a sticker. Local vessels needed a sticker but no inspection.
The stickers for locals were free partly because at that time everything that went into the water needed a sticker. Because of the close proximity to the lake, county residents often have more than one water vehicle that would require a sticker.
Then the rules changed; to obtain a sticker for your local vessel you would have to pay a one time $10 fee.
Then manned inspection and wash stations were added to the non-resident sticker requirements. A great idea on paper, but even I could see the holes in this plan. So the county ran out and purchased four cleaning machines to set up at inspection stations around the lake.
Another great idea but where was the money coming from to finance this program?
There was no money for the program and as a result the machines were placed in storage. There was talk of selling the washers but I am not aware of what happened to these machines.
One wash station was loaned to the City of Lakeport, but the county is now talking about taking the loaner back.
Next came the colored bands for out-of-county boats, then I heard that everyone would have to purchase a sticker for the boat trailer (I regularly take my empty boat trailer to infested waters to give it a bath).
It would appear that the county wants to fund this project with fees garnered from the boating public.
I have a problem with this because of having to purchase another $10 sticker for each of our water vehicles and then adding insult to injury I will have to purchase a new sticker every year there after.
I believe Mr. De Leon is on the right track and I am willing to pay another $10 fee, but I hope for the last time.
I would like Mr. De Leon to remember that just because people in Lake County have a water vessel or two does not mean they have the extra funds to keep buying these stickers every year or until the next time someone has a great idea to fund this needed program.
Ray Richards
Clearlake Park
