TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ryan J. Alsop, Chief Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Thomas C. Zeleny, Chief Deputy County Counsel
SUBJECT: Introduction of Ordinance Adding Chapter 6.02 to the Napa County Code Authorizing Inspections of Watercraft for Invasive Mussels at Lake Berryessa
RECOMMENDATION
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Introduction and intent to adopt an Ordinance adding Chapter 6.02 to the Napa County Code authorizing inspections of watercraft for invasive mussels at Lake Berryessa. (No Fiscal Impact; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
Fresh-water mussels, such as Quagga, Zebra, and Golden Mussels, are invasive species that reproduce prolifically, capable of rapidly colonizing and clogging water infrastructure as well as altering the aquatic environment by removing phytoplankton and displacing native species. Invasive mussels can inadvertently be introduced into new water bodies by boats which are used in infested waterways, then trailered and launched into pristine lakes or reservoirs without being adequately cleaned and dried. Invasive mussels are not known to inhabit Lake Berryessa, but there are other water bodies within a one-hour drive of Lake Berryessa known to be infested with invasive mussels. Invasive adult mussels can survive for up to thirty days out of water under ideal conditions, and their larvae can survive for approximately the same amount of time in small amounts of water left inside a boat or trailer. Invasive mussels are difficult to eradicate once they are established and are best managed by preventing their introduction in the first place.
Napa County is engaged in projects to increase recreational opportunities at Lake Berryessa through an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), which will lead to more recreational boating at the lake. The County is currently operating 2 resort areas under interim concession contracts, while the BOR is operating other recreational areas with boat launches. With the recent discovery of Golden Mussels in th...
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