Lake Cachuma
launches Quagga inspections
When
Cachuma’s revamped launch ramp opened March 28, more
than 50 boaters received a first-hand crash course in the lake’s new Quagga prevention protocols. Many boaters were prepared for
the wait that accompanied inspections. Recreational staff felt under hulls and
checked boat interiors, making sure that the boats were dry and clean.
Though
most of the boats passed inspection with flying colors, two boats were turned
away because they were not in compliance with the new requirements.
“Ninety-nine
percent of the boats have been dry and clean,” said Park Director Dan
Hernandez. “Other lakes are following our lead.”
The
new inspection protocol was adopted in an attempt to prevent the Quagga Mussel from infesting the lake and potentially
causing costly damage to water distribution system conduits, valves and
filters.
The
Quagga Mussel is an invasive mussel species
indigenous to the Ukraine. It was first discovered in the U.S. in 1989, and
since has infested some of the great lakes, including Lake Michigan, and Lake
Mead in Colorado. The California Department of Fish and Game has launched a
state-wide public outreach effort to help deal with the Quagga
threat.
The
prevention protocols have taken shape as a multi-pronged approach being
initiated at the lake, including inspections, entry of boat identification into
a centralized database, a 140-degree hot water spray station, and a tagging
system.
Santa
Barbara County Communications Director William Boyer said that all the boat
owners are required to sign affidavits, and their boat information, including
its registration, or CF, number, is being entered into the database.
“We’re
keeping track of all boats,” he said. “It helps us keep track of where the
boats have been.”
The
park also has hired six new part-time recreational employees to help with the
onslaught of inspections.
Boaters
seemed enthusiastic about the measures and expressed gratitude that county
officials didn’t ban private boating at the lake.
“I
think [the process] is ok,” said Richard Baker, a private boat owner who fishes
at the lake. “It didn’t take too long.”
Baker
added that when he first read about the Quagga Mussel
threat, he was afraid the park would follow Lake Casitas’ lead in banning
private boating.
Third
District Supervisor Brooks Firestone attended the grand opening.
“It’s
really important to get the story out,” he said, “so people know about the
inspections and delay, and above all to have a clean and dry boat.”
To
help offset the additional costs of hiring new staff and inspection protocols,
Hernandez said the park is looking to increase the boating fee.
In
an earlier interview, Boyer said the fee could increase by $10, making the
average cost $28 for private boat owners wishing to enter the lake.
For more information on the Santa Barbara County’s Quagga protocol and prevention measures, visit
www.countyofsb.org, and for information about general prevention measures visit
fish and game’s Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel.