LAKEPORT >> Funding for sustained efforts to keep a devastating invasive species out of Clear Lake energized the Board of Supervisors into proactive mode to retain vital efforts to keep aquatic pests at bay, all discussed during Tuesday’s meeting.
Board Chair E.J. Crandell introduced a resolution to amend disruption to critical Quagga and Zebra Mussel funding with the next step to include Board and staff letters to Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state legislators to take action that restores funding for the Clear Lake Mussel Prevention Project, as well as to consider authorizing staff to partner with Nielsen Merksamer, one of the country’s premier job and government lobbying firms with offices in Sacramento and San Francisco.
The resolution also recommended the alteration of the recommended Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget revenues for Unit 1072 Cannabis and 8109 Watershed Protection District. Presenting the case was Pawan Upadyhay, director of the Water Resources Department, which works to restore, conserve as well as acting as stewards of Lake County watersheds.
For the Board’s and publics awareness, Upadhyay explained the Water Resources district was just notified their 2025 Quagga and Zebra Mussel infestation grant application was denied (following seven years of acceptance) by the state Water Resources district. “I will make a request for $400,000 to support the Clear Lake Mussel Prevention Project,” he said. “The majority of funding goes to support the Ramp Monitors.” Once he was notified on July 23 his request was rebuffed, he contacted the program office and presented the potentially profound consequences pending through losing this critical funding.
“Our application was denied due to a clerical error as opposed to any substantial concern or deficiency, Upadyay said. “I then asked to file a formal appeal on July 24 with the Boating and Waterways Division Deputy Director Ramon Fernandez, but no response has been received. In large measure because of the trained monitors, the Quagga and Zebra Mussels, has been mitigated to date.” Yet there has been particular complexity introduced into the equation with discovery recently of Golden Mussels, which were discovered in California, specifically in the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta and O’Neill Forebay in Merced County. This discovery marks the first occurrence of golden mussels in North America, and they pose significant ecological and economic threats to the region’s water systems and native species.
“We remain vigilant to the health of the ecosystem surrounding the county defining our geographic region,” Upadhyay said. “You’ll be aware California’s’ Delta Region, likewise is commonly traveled between the two bodies of water.” The Delta region is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. It stretches inland from Antioch to Stockton and encompasses approximately 738,000 acres. The region is known for its fertile soils and plays a crucial role in California’s water supply, supporting a significant agricultural industry and a diverse ecosystem.
“Should monitoring of Quagga and Zebra Mussels be suspended due to introduction of invasive species to Clear Lake, this is a significant loss of a vibrant habitat and would have dramatic implications for Lake County and California,” Upadhyay said. “Once introduced the mussels displace native species, destroy native habitat and the species that depend on the natural habitat. They block waterways, disrupt recreational and commercial fishing, undermining docks and all other structures in the water.”
The mussels also impede navigation as well as cause devastating impacts on municipal water systems. “As previously stated, the Lake County Watershed Protection District are already appealing this highly regrettable decision of the Boating and Waterways Division,” he said. In addition, Upadyay recommended three subsequent steps:
First, authorize Upadhyay as Associate Division and County Administrator, to co-sign a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom in addition to State Senate Pro Tem Mike Mcguire and Assembly Member Cecilia Aguire-Curry and encourage them to intervene in the State’s interests, and fund the Clearlake Mussel Prevention Project and authorize a letter from the BOS. Second, authorize Lake County Administrative officers to partner with county and state legislators to partner with Nielsen Merksamer in the county’s quest in opposing waterway devastation for invasive species.
And third, note that the Water Resources Department has $13,000 in Quagga and Zebra Inspection sticker revenue. But it is inevitable that additional funding will be required. Upadhyay appeals to the board, with board approval to grant them access to the $266,456 in cannabis dedicated funds to continue ramp monitoring.
Speaking during the Public comment period was Angela DePalma Dow, executive director of Lake County Land Trust. She was formerly Invasive Species Coordinator of Lake County, Water Resources. Priority of any funding should go to maintaining Ramp Monitoring staff,” DePalma said. “It is the first line of defense and the last line of defense for protecting aquatic resources in Lake County. I support approval of letters (to Gov. Newsom and other Legislative leaders) and budget allocations. But this program has never had full funding as required.”
She went on to note that the District partners collaborated really hard from 2022 and 2024. to develop a Clear Lake Integrated Invasive Species Managment plan, which is the best method to prevent a shutdown of the lake because of invasive species. “I’d be careful of including Golden Mussels (in letter). The Division of Boating and Waterways does not support efforts directed at Golden Mussels. So, maybe your grant request doesn’t return with a full $400,000 but other grants can fill in the gaps.
After much Q&A with Senior County Counsel Nicol Johnson advising on the process and several motions for amendments the board voted unanimously to send a letter to Gov. Newsom, Senate Pro Tem Mike Mcguire and Assembly Leader Cecilia Aguire-Curry and agreed to all affix their signatures as well.
