Latest news with #goldenmussels
CBS News
a day 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.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Lake Tahoe inspectors find golden mussels in a boat in Alpine Meadows
( — Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors identified highly invasive golden mussels on a boat on Friday at the Alpine Meadows inspection station. • Video above: Officials have no idea how Golden Mussels make their way to the region According to officials, this is the first interception of the new invasive species by Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors since the first acknowledgment in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta back in 2024. In May, golden mussels found their way to Folsom Lake and were discovered during a boat inspection. 'Golden mussels pose an extreme threat to Lake Tahoe and the waters of the region, and it is critical that everyone stay vigilant and always Clean, Drain, and Dry all watercraft and equipment when visiting new areas,' said Dennis Zabaglo, aquatic invasive species program manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. 'We are fortunate to have such highly trained inspectors and committed partners at marinas and boat ramps, but protecting the waters of the Tahoe Region from the spread of aquatic invasive species takes all of us.' Defense Intelligence Agency IT Specialist arrested for allegedly sharing classified information TRPA and the Tahoe Resource Convention District manage the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, which helped to strengthen the inspection procedures in March in response to the golden mussel discovery just a few hours away from the Tahoe Basin, according to authorities. Inspectors said that crews at the Alpine Meadows station conducted an initial decontamination of the 65-foot boat and placed it under quarantine under the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations until the boat is safe. The managers of the Watercraft Inspection Program have been working with the Nevada Division of Wildlife and other state agencies to share information on all detections with agencies in both states and the western U.S., officials said. 'With the support of boaters and paddlers, we have kept Lake Tahoe safe from many invasive species, but the survivability of golden mussel and their proximity to Tahoe make them a greater threat than other aquatic invasive species,' Killian said. 'The Lake Tahoe inspection program has become a national model because it is so comprehensive. The move to mandatory decontaminations this year was a crucial step to continue protecting the waters of the Tahoe Region for all to enjoy.' According to the inspectors, as new threats come to Lake Tahoe, the emphasis on following clear, drain, and dry protocol remains for all boaters, paddlers, anglers, and beachgoers. Sacramento's Track 7 Brewing Company announced its closures effective Saturday Tahoe RCD Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager Chris Killian said that the golden mussels are not in the lake, so following the clean, drain, and dry protocol will help to lessen the risk of invasion. Authorities stated that since the discovery of golden mussels in the port of Stockton, they have been discovered as far south as Bakersfield through the connected water system. The areas outside the Tahoe Region have responded to the threat by standing up prevention programs, temporary waterbody closures, and 30-day quarantine periods in some areas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Invasive golden mussels found on boat during Lake Tahoe inspection
ALPINE MEADOWS – Invasive golden mussels were intercepted during an inspection at a Lake Tahoe-area station, making it the first time golden mussels were intercepted in the area, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency said. The golden mussels were found on a 65-foot vessel that went through the Alpine Meadows inspection station on Friday. That boat will be held under quarantine until officials deem it risk-free. "Golden mussels pose an extreme threat to Lake Tahoe and the waters of the region and it is critical that everyone stay vigilant and always Clean, Drain, and Dry all watercraft and equipment when visiting new areas," said Dennis Zabaglo, the aquatic invasive species program manager for the TRPA. TRPA Since March, all boats that enter the waters of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake and Echo Lake must go through an inspection procedure. The TRPA said if the golden mussels enter the lake, they could "irreversibly harm Lake Tahoe's recreation, water quality, and native ecosystem." This comes after golden mussels were discovered at the Port of Stockton, marking the first such discovery in North America. The TRPA says the farthest south that golden mussels have been detected in California is Bakersfield. Some areas, such as Folsom Lake, mandate that boats must go through a 30-day quarantine before entering the water.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Officials declare 'urgent' threat as invasive species never before seen in North America is discovered: 'A serious challenge'
A tiny invasive species no bigger than a paper clip is causing concerns across Northern California's waterways. Golden mussels, never before seen in North America until October, have been discovered clinging to equipment in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, reported SFGate. These caramel-colored mollusks from China and Southeast Asia were likely introduced by international shipping vessels and have already spread to multiple California water bodies, including the San Luis Reservoir. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released a plan to stop these little invaders, calling them an "urgent invasive species threat." "The discovery of golden mussels in California is a serious challenge that requires coordinated action and a long-term commitment," CDFW Director Charlton Bonham said in a news release, per SFGate. Like invasive plants that outcompete native vegetation, these aquatic invaders disrupt the natural balance of our ecosystems. They form dense colonies that can clog pipes, damage boat motors, and disrupt drinking water infrastructure that two-thirds of California residents depend on. The financial impact could be substantial. According to officials, removing these mussels requires "costly removal to maintain operational function" of water systems that serve millions of people. This situation mirrors the challenges homeowners face when dealing with invasive plants in their yards. Native landscaping is a solution with several benefits for your wallet and the planet. Native plants typically need less water than non-native options, helping you conserve water and lower your monthly bills. They also require less maintenance, saving you time and money on lawn care. You can choose from options such as buffalo grass, which needs minimal watering once established, or try a clover lawn that stays green with little effort. Xeriscaping with drought-resistant plants works well in drier climates, while native wildflower gardens attract essential pollinators. These pollinators help maintain our food supply, creating a healthier ecosystem that benefits everyone. Replacing even part of your lawn with natives can make a difference. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. If you're a boater, you can help protect California's waterways by following the "clean, drain, dry" rule for your watercraft between launches. This simple step prevents hitchhiking mussels from spreading to new locations. If you spot any suspicious shells, you can report them by sending photos to the CDFW's invasive species program through its website or by calling its hotline at 866-440-9530. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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.
