Memorandum
Date: November 3, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors, sitting as the Directors of the Lake County Watershed Protection District
From: Dr. Pawan Upadhyay, Director, and Thomas Fardig, Invasive Species Program Coordinator, Water Resources Department
Subject: Consideration of a Presentation regarding proposed fee increases for Quagga Mussel Prevention Program stickers and draft Special Event Lake Access permit and consider approval of the revised/proposed fee schedule, and Provide Direction Regarding a Dedicated Funding Source for the Program
Executive Summary:
The Lake County Water Resources Department requests that the Board of Supervisors consider proposed increases to the Quagga Mussel Prevention Program sticker fees and Special Event Lake Access permit fees. This item is being brought back to the Board following the previous presentation, with additional information and clarification addressing the questions and concerns raised by Board members. The proposed adjustments are intended to support the long-term financial sustainability of the Quagga Mussel programs and align with prior Board direction that the Quagga Mussel Prevention Program operate on a self-supporting basis. Mussel sticker fee increases will not take affect until fiscal year 2027/2028.
Historically, a significant portion of the Quagga Mussel Prevention Program has been funded through state and federal grants. While these grants have been instrumental in supporting program operations, funding availability varies from year to year. During periods when grant funding was unavailable or reduced, the program operated at a deficit, requiring the use of County resources to maintain critical prevention, inspection, and monitoring activities.
The threat posed by invasive quagga, zebra, and golden mussels continues to increase throughout California and the western United States. An infestation in Clear Lake could result in substantial ecological, recreational, and economic impacts, as well as significant long-term costs associated with infrastructure protection and management. Continued investment in prevention remains the most effective and cost-efficient strategy for protecting Clear Lake and Lake County's water resources.
The proposed fee adjustments would help offset program costs, improve long-term financial stability, and reduce reliance on uncertain grant funding while ensuring continued implementation of inspection, monitoring, education, and prevention efforts.
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Recommended Action:
1) Approve the proposed $10 fee increases for the Quagga Mussel Prevention Program sticker fee. Additionally, approve the Special Event Lake Access permit, including the $900 mussel dog fee and direct staff to implement the revised/proposed fee schedule.
2) Provide direction to staff to identify and evaluate a dedicated, sustainable funding source or funding mechanism to cover Quagga Mussel Prevention Program shortfalls when fee revenues and grant funding are insufficient.