Memorandum
Date: October 27, 2020
To: The Honorable Moke Simon, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: District 4 Supervisor, Tina Scott
Subject: Discussion of Potential Eradication of Mute Swans from Clear Lake by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Executive Summary: (include fiscal and staffing impact narrative):
A recently-published Record-Bee article caused community concern the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) may be poised to eradicate approximately 20-25 Mute Swans on Clear Lake in the immediate future.
CDFW classifies the Mute Swan as an invasive species, noting, "Each adult swan [consumes] up to 8 pounds of [Submerged Aquatic Vegetation] per day," posing potential threats to "the structure and function of aquatic habitats native species depend upon." Additionally, they have been observed to be, "Aggressive towards other birds, as well as people," per CDFW:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Mute-Swan
Lake County residents have expressed concern Mute Swans are an important part of our local landscape, and noted other non-native species have been embraced, including the largemouth bass that have made Clear Lake one of the most prominent fishing lakes in the nation.
CDFW has indicated there are no detailed and immediate plans to eradicate the Mute Swans. A CDFW representative will be present, via Zoom, to provide a report clarifying misconceptions and the process, moving forward. They will also hear and respond to Lake County residents' questions and concerns.
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