Los Angeles County Quagga Mussel Inspection and Education Program for Castaic Lake & Pyramid Lake

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Quagga mussels are non-native aquatic nuisance freshwater mollusks which originated in Eastern Europe. The spread of the Quagga mussel in California is a significant concern due to the negative environmental and economic impacts associated with their introduction and proliferation. These mussels can be spread through recreational boats that travel from an infected lake to a non-infected lake. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has created a comprehensive vessel inspection and public education program that educates boaters and ensures that all watercraft attempting to launch at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area and Pyramid Lake are thoroughly inspected by a trained staff member prior to launching. Boats that fail inspection will be prevented from launching. This Vessel Inspection and Education Program has been successful by allowing our recreation programs to continue while proactively protecting our natural resources.