California State Parks to Implement New Boat Launching Requirements for Golden Mussel Prevention at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine
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Boaters at Folsom Lake SRA. Bottom right: Once a vessel passes inspection, it will receive a red quarantine seal that cannot be removed during the 30-day quarantine. Photos from California State Parks.
FOLSOM – Effective Monday, April 14, 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will require all trailered or motorized vessels launching at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine to participate in a vessel inspection/quarantine program to help prevent the spread of golden mussels. This highly invasive aquatic species was recently identified in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America. Golden mussels pose a significant threat to the ecological health of all waters of the state, its water conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality.
A media availability will be held this afternoon at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA). Media outlets interested in attending must RSVP to State Parks at newsroom@parks.ca.gov.
“California State Parks is working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and numerous state agencies to take critical steps to prevent golden mussels from infesting Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine,” said Folsom Lake SRA Superintendent Mike Howard. “We thank boaters for their understanding as we implement the new procedures and are working to make the inspection processes as efficient as possible. These prevention measures are a far better alternative to closing the lakes to vessels or a golden mussel infestation, which would not only cause substantial damage to the ecosystem and fishery but also impact the power generation and water delivery systems at Folsom Dam and Reservoir.”
These invasive mussels can also cause significant damage to boats by attaching to hulls and clogging engines, which will lead to increased costs for boat owners.
Here are the new requirements:
Beginning April 14, Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine will be temporarily closed to all trailered or motorized vessel launching. Vessel owners wishing to launch at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine at Auburn SRA must have their vessels inspected and a quarantine seal (watercraft band) applied for 30 days. During the quarantine, the vessel will not be permitted to launch. Vessel inspections will be conducted at Beals Point beginning April 14, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. This process is expected to take 15 to 30 minutes depending on the vessel. This does not include wait time.
Beginning May 14, vessels completing the 30-day quarantine may return to the two lakes, have the seal removed by authorized staff, and be allowed to launch. Boaters wishing to return to the lakes in the future will have the option to have their boat sealed upon exiting the water and will not be required to quarantine thereafter as long as the seal remains intact.
All trailered vessels are subject to the inspection, quarantine and seal program. Hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowing shells, outrigger canoes and rowboats are not subject to the inspection, quarantine and decontamination requirements. Hand-launched watercraft with electric trolling motors, such as fishing kayaks, are also exempt from these requirements.
As part of this new golden mussel prevention program, only hand-launched boats will be permitted on Lake Natoma. Trailered vessels will not be permitted. The existing 5 mph speed limit on Lake Natoma for motorized craft will remain in effect. All boaters, including paddlers and rowers, must arrive with their watercraft clean, drained, and dry.
“Recreational boating is a significant contributor to California’s economy, and California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is working diligently with allied industry and agency partners to provide outreach and educational information to boaters and waterbody managers on the importance of the Clean, Drain and Dry message to help protect the state’s waterways from invasive species,” said DBW Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “DBW recommends boaters contact the waterbody manager to learn of any updated requirements before they head out.”
DBW maintains a list of contacts at: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/inspections.
Additional information on the golden mussel prevention program including inspection site locations, frequently asked questions and hours can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/FolsomLakeGoldenMussels.
Photos of golden mussels recently discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Photos from California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.
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