LAKE COUNTY — Quagga mussel prevention led the conversation Tuesday morning when the Clear Lake Advisory Committee (CLAC) presented its quarterly consensus report to the Board of Supervisors (BOS).
“The potential decimation of Clear Lake by the mussels will equally destroy our local economy and that will not be repairable,” CLAC wrote in its report.
Committee Chair Melissa Fulton presented the document during Tuesday”s regular BOS meeting at the Lake County Courthouse.
CLAC urged the county to take certain steps to protect the lake from the invasive mussels.
The committee recommended creating a list of high-risk vessels, restricting access to public launch ramps and setting up a workshop for all volunteers involved in the current prevention program.
Chances to spread the anti-mussel message are also being missed, according to CLAC.
The report suggested using social media, state and county documents, and resort websites to communicate with residents and visitors about quagga prevention.
CLAC also pushed for more BOS dialogue with other counties and the state regarding the mussel risk.
“We still do not have the ear of the Governor on a threat that will make the current budget deficits of California seem inconsequential,” the report stated.
District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington contended the BOS has made “major inroads” toward raising the issue with state officials but acknowledged that government can move at “embarrassing” paces sometimes.
Farrington and District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing cited a recent meeting they had with the secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency and the director of the California Department of Fish and Game.
At the early November meeting, the two supervisors were informed that a statewide emergency declaration wouldn”t be the proper mechanism to address the mussel threat but legislation would be a better tool, Rushing said.
The BOS passed a resolution this summer asking Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency regarding mussel infestations in California water bodies.
“I don”t see the governor declaring a state of emergency,” Farrington said Wednesday.
He added that he plans to again reach out to other counties in the hopes more will pass similar resolutions, and continue contacting Lake County”s state representatives about potential legislation.
The report addressed several other watershed issues, including concerns about chemical applications in Clear Lake, support for the Middle Creek Restoration Project and a push for a Water Quality Summit in the county next year.
CLAC members also proposed a 2012 committee work plan, which will be discussed by the BOS at its Jan. 3 meeting.
CLAC reported having vacant appointed positions in the wildlife, aquatic plants, water quality and fisheries categories.
