LAKEPORT >> In an effort to prevent the invasive Quagga mussel from grabbing hold in Clear Lake, the California Department of Boating and Waterways has issued Lake County another two-year grant.
According to Water Resources Technician Mark Miller, the grant amounts to $318,000 and will cover the cost of 13 ramp monitors and two supervisors, who will watch incoming watercraft for screening stickers, as well as signs of Quagga mussels. Lake County Water Resources originally requested the grant in 2014.
As Clear Lake currently shows no signs of invasive mussels, the department considers the prevention program a success.
Terry Knight, who sits on the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Board, said the grant allows Lake County to continue its current prevention program, which he believes is the most effective program in Northern California. He said Clear Lake attracts anglers and boaters from around the nation, including places with known mussel environments — this calls for extra care.
“Once the Quagga establishes itself in a lake, there’s no getting it out of there,” said Knight. “People think it’s only a matter of time before they get in the lake, but we’re diligent, and there aren’t any yet.”
Knight said Quagga mussels thrive in calcium-rich freshwater environments like Clear Lake. Invasion would have detrimental effects on the natural lake environment and would cause millions of dollars in damages to the lake’s waterworks infrastructure.
Lake County currently monitors 21 calcium-coated concrete pillars in the lake for Quagga.
Miller said those who aim to put watercraft on the lake must purchase stickers that indicate a clean, authorized vessel. Failure to provide such a sticker can result in a $1,000 fine. Stickers and screenings can be found at local tackle shops.
“We have to encourage people to look at their boats every year,” Miller said. “Clear Lake is clean, and we want to keep it that way.”
