If an Invasive Mussel Introduction Occurred, How Would the County Respond?
Virtual Forum to be held Thursday February 2, 2023 at 10am via Zoom
Lake County, CA (January 25, 2023) – The commitment of local residents, boat ramp monitors, and County, State and Federal agency personnel has been critical to preventing Quagga and Zebra Mussel introduction in Clear Lake. Continued vigilance and collective action is essential; relenting in this important effort could invite far-reaching environmental and economic harm.
What would happen if Invasive Mussel Introduction were to occur?
Lake County Water Resources Department, partnering with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and consultants at Creative Resource Strategies invites the public to attend a Virtual Forum to discuss how the County will respond in the unfortunate event invasive Quagga or Zebra mussels become introduced or established in Clear Lake:
Quagga/Zebra Mussel Introduction: If it Happens, How Will Lake County Respond?
A Virtual Forum, Hosted by County of Lake Water Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 10am
Link for Registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5443517570625956186
Anyone that has a business or residence in Lake County, and/or values or recreates on Clear Lake or other lakes in the county, will benefit from attending this important webinar.
Background
Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake located entirely in California, and consistently ranks among Bassmaster’s top 10 bass fishing lakes (https://www.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes/slideshow/top-10-best-bass-lakes-of-2022/1051157). Although Clear Lake provides ideal water quality conditions and habitat for an established mussel introduction, Clear Lake currently has no quagga or zebra (QZ) mussels. Lake County relies on a prevention program supported primarily through State grants. Local mussel stickers are also sold.
Clear Lake is the county's central feature, providing economic and ecological stability to the entire region. However, the popularity and accessibility of Clear Lake, combined with water quality conditions optimal for mussel establishment, mean risk of invasive mussel invasion is extremely high.
The February 2 webinar will share information on the invasive mussel rapid response and containment transition project, which is intended to improve the current Clear Lake aquatic invasive species program while preparing for an invasive mussel introduction to Clear Lake or Lake County.
The webinar will share the goals of the project and the approach that will be taken to achieve those goals, the timeline, and products. A containment and transition plan, feasibility analysis for permanent watercraft decontamination stations, and assessment of regulations and ordinances are three key outcomes.
Information regarding consequences to Clear Lake and neighboring lakes from a mussel invasion will also be shared, including potential impacts to county revenue and property values, effects on native fish and wildlife, and increased costs and maintenance for all water suppliers and self-supplied water users.
By preparing for an invasion, we are seeking to mitigate effects to the local economy and natural resources.
Information about the project can be found at the Clear Lake Mussel prevention webpage. The recording of the webinar will be posted on the "Get Involved" Mussel webpage.
Webinar Registration Link
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Water Resources Department, at water.resources@lakecountyca.gov, or by phone, at (707)263-2344.
Also visit the Water Resource's Department's website or the “Lake County Water Resources Department” Facebook page.
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