Latest news with #FolsomLake
CBS News
6 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Auburn business helping prevent spread of golden mussels through sanitization process
How an Auburn business is helping prevent the spread of golden mussels How an Auburn business is helping prevent the spread of golden mussels How an Auburn business is helping prevent the spread of golden mussels GRAINTE BAY – Lakes across Northern California are stepping up inspections in an urgent effort to keep invasive golden mussels from contaminating local lakes and reservoirs. The mussels were first discovered in the San Joaquin Delta last October, and now there's growing concern that they could spread to Folsom Lake and Lake Tahoe. At The Boat House in Auburn, owner Eddie Medeiros is among those leading the charge in prevention. He's hard at work sanitizing watercraft using water heated to 120 degrees, the temperature required to kill any trace of the golden mussel. Medeiros said he handles at least 14 appointments a day. "I've been working 9 to 9. I just want everyone to have the opportunity to get on the water," Medeiros said. He's one of only a few local dealers recently certified to inspect and sanitize boats. This gives boaters a chance to get back on Folsom Lake right away, rather than having to go through a 30-day quarantine. "The timing couldn't be more perfect. It's like drinking from a fire hose," he added. While Lake Tahoe has had similar inspection protocols in place for years, an environmental group is asking for even more vigilance. "We really need to be on edge about the golden mussel. We're really concerned," said Laura Patten with Keep Tahoe Blue. Patten warns that the mussels can cling to more than just motorboats. Kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable floaties, and even fishing gear can carry the tiny invasive species. Though the risk from non-motorized equipment is lower, officials are urging everyone to thoroughly clean any gear they bring near the water. "Because once they're in Lake Tahoe, they would be impossible to remove," Patten said. Golden mussels are tough and adaptable, capable of surviving in a wide range of temperatures. They spread quickly, threaten native species, and can increase nutrients in the water. "When you think about the golden mussel, it could turn Lake Tahoe from blue to green," Patten said. At Folsom Lake, boat inspections are required at two launch points: Granite Bay and Browns Ravine. Anyone who skips the process could face fines. This is the first time a program like this has been implemented at Folsom Lake, and officials said it's efficient and necessary. "There've been some challenges we've had to work through, but we're making it work, and I think the process is very quick for folks," said Chief Barry Smith with the Gold Fields District.
CBS News
11-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Fewer boats on Folsom Lake as quarantines continue due to invasive golden mussels
FOLSOM – California State Parks is trying to keep invasive golden mussels out of Folsom Lake. On April 14, mandatory inspections and a 30-day quarantine of boats not already in the water went into place. Temperatures reached the 90s Saturday, but Folsom Lake boat launch ramps were empty. Boaters who have already gone through the inspection process have just a few more days to wait until they can get their boats back in the water. "The golden mussel sounds like a nasty thing, so I hope it doesn't make its way into Folsom because I heard it can take over entire ecosystems," said boater Bobby Clements. The invasive golden mussel was first spotted in the Port of Stockton back in October. Now, officials want to keep them out of our waterways because they can drive out native species and clog up engines. "It was a beautiful day, very nice out. Not many boats out, especially for a Saturday this time of year," said boater Stephen Hankins, "I kinda knew that would be the case today just based on the 30-day quarantine for the mussel inspection." California State Parks has implemented a prevention program as directed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to help prevent the spread of the mussels. It involves boat inspection and a 30-day quarantine. "People are really frustrated with the timing of it and there were very few inspection stations, the long waits," said Hankins. "Obviously, we're moving into probably the biggest weekend of the year, right? So I'm sure it didn't come down easy, but on the flip side, they're just trying to make it so they can start the summer season on as clean as slate as they can," said boater Todd Kincaid. State parks didn't get back to a CBS Sacramento request on Saturday. But on Tuesday, a boat inspected at Folsom Lake was found to have the mussels, but the boat didn't make it into the water and is being stored for further inspection. Meanwhile, some lucky boaters already had their boats in the water prior to the April 14 cutoff. "We were able to get our boat in early and not have to quarantine it, so it's kind of a homerun for us this year," said Clements. "It's kind of surprising to me. We thought today was going to be crazy, like this place empty and all the boats on the lake. But, there's really only a couple boaters out there," said Kincaid. State parks will continue with inspections and quarantines at all open boat launches at the lake. Inspections don't apply to kayakers and paddleboarders. There were people all over the beaches everywhere, so people were still out enjoying the lake, having a good time. On the shores, it was very busy, but yeah, on the lake, people are suffering a bit," said Clements. The earliest new boats can enter Folsom Lake is May 15.
CBS News
07-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Invasive golden mussels found attached to boat during Folsom Lake inspection
FOLSOM – After implementing an inspection and quarantine program at Folsom Lake to try to stop the spread of golden mussels, state park officials said the highly invasive aquatic species was found attached to a boat. So far, nearly 5,000 vessels have been inspected. Now, state parks officials said golden mussels were found attached to a boat during an inspection on Tuesday at Beals Point. California State Parks said the live golden mussels were on a boat that was pulled from the water of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and brought to Folsom for an inspection. Golden mussels were found attached to a boat during an inspection at Folsom Lake. California State Parks "The inspection and quarantine program we have implemented is in place to protect billions of dollars of water and hydroelectric infrastructure in addition to recreation and the fishery," Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Superintendent Mike Howard said. "The discovery of live golden mussels [on Tuesday] validates the importance of this effort." Park officials are working with the owner and other agencies to safely decontaminate and quarantine the boat. This comes about four weeks after the inspection and quarantine program was implemented at Folsom Lake. Ahead of the summer season, boats must be inspected and receive a quarantine seal and cannot enter the water for 30 days. After that, the boats can return to the lake. Golden mussels were found in the delta last year, becoming the first known time the highly invasive golden mussels were found in North America, officials said. They pose a threat to water quality and infrastructure. They can also damage boats by attaching to hulls and clogging engines. All trailered or motorized vessels must go through the inspection and quarantine. It does not apply to canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats.
