Memorandum
Date: September 1, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors, serving 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.
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. 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.
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...
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