County Committed to Keeping Clear Lake Mussel-Free
Board of Supervisors Pushes the State for Urgent Clear Lake Protections
The County implored State leaders to fight the loss of crucial Clear Lake Mussel Prevention Grant Funding. Approved emergency funding demonstrates the County’s commitment to keeping Clear Lake Mussel-Free.
Lake County has successfully protected Clear Lake through the Mussel Prevention Program. The County appealed the state’s denial of a $399,520 grant, but the appeal was denied. Meanwhile, the County will reallocate local cannabis funds to continue ramp monitoring work against invasive mussels.
Water Resources Director Pawan Upadhyay reported that the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways denied the 2025 grant due to a clerical oversight. Without ramp monitors, Dr. Upadhyay warned, “Lake County risks quagga and zebra mussels devastating ecosystems, clogging infrastructure and harming fisheries, tourism and recreation. Losing Clear Lake as a vibrant fishery would seriously impact the County and State.”
Zebra and quagga mussels differ from golden mussels, which were featured in the December 2024 edition. To read about golden mussels, click here.
The Water Resources Department works to keep invasive mussels out of our County. Its “Quagga Mussel Program” video explains: “Clear Lake has over 120 miles of shoreline with nutrient-rich waters, making it a top fishing spot. About 15,000 boaters visit yearly. If invasive mussels arrive, devastation would be permanent. They consume algae, harm fish, clog water intakes and cost millions of dollars in damage. Clear Lake provides 66% of the County’s drinking water.”
Learn more at the Invasive Mussel Prevention page, and watch the video.
Dr. Upadhyay explained in detail:
“Because of the work of our trained ramp monitors, Clear Lake is free of quagga and zebra mussels. Remaining vigilant is essential to the health of our County’s beloved ecosystem. Should monitoring be suspended, it may be just a matter of time before infestation occurs. Screening for quagga and zebra mussels is essential for the health of Clear Lake and provides the best possible future for all Lake County residents and visitors.”
The Board authorized Water Resources Department staff and County administrative officers to partner with the County’s state legislative and regulatory advocacy firm, Nielsen Merksamer, this summer to support County representatives in urging the Division of Boating and Waterways to reconsider their decision. Although the appeal was ultimately denied, the County remains dedicated to securing immediate and long-term resources to protect Clear Lake by uniting local, regional and state partners.
Supervisors approved reallocating $341,445.86 in cannabis funds to keep the program running until the next funding cycle. This includes $170,722.93 from water resources funds and $170,722.93 from economic development funds. This stopgap will maintain ramp monitoring and sustain operations until the next grant cycle after the appeal was denied. Supervisors emphasized that uninterrupted monitoring is critical to preventing irreversible damage to Clear Lake’s ecosystem and economy. Dr. Upadhyay added, “We will actively pursue all available funding sources to support the Mussel Prevention Program.”
To watch the presentation, click here.
The Board’s unanimous vote signals a united front to protect Clear Lake. Through advocacy and interim funding, Lake County is determined to preserve the lake’s health, sustain its economy and defend our waters against invasive mussel threats.