California State Parks to Implement New Boat Launching Requirements for Golden Mussel Prevention

FOLSOM, Calif. – Starting Monday, April 14, 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will implement a mandatory vessel inspection and quarantine program for all trailered or motorized boats launching at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine, in a proactive effort to prevent the spread of golden mussels, an invasive aquatic species recently discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta—the first known occurrence in North America.

Golden mussels pose a major threat to California’s waterways, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Their rapid spread can clog water systems, impact power generation, degrade water quality, and damage native aquatic habitats.

A media availability will be held this afternoon at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA). Interested media outlets must RSVP by emailing newsroom@parks.ca.gov.

“California State Parks is collaborating with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and other state agencies to protect Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine,” said Mike Howard, Superintendent of Folsom Lake SRA. “These preventive steps, while temporarily inconvenient, are essential to avoiding a golden mussel infestation—which could lead to far greater environmental and infrastructure damage.”

In addition to harming ecosystems, golden mussels can attach to boat hulls and clog engines, resulting in costly damage for boat owners.

What Boaters Need to Know: New Requirements Effective April 14

• All trailered or motorized vessels will be temporarily prohibited from launching at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine.

• Vessel owners must undergo an inspection and have a quarantine seal (watercraft band) affixed to their boat for a 30-day quarantine period.

• Beginning May 14, boats that have completed the quarantine and present their intact seal will be cleared to launch.

• For repeat lake access, boaters may request a seal upon exiting the water; so long as the seal remains intact, no additional quarantine will be required.

Exemptions

• Hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft (e.g., kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, rowing shells) are exempt from inspection, quarantine, and decontamination.

• Hand-launched watercraft equipped with electric trolling motors are also exempt.

Lake Natoma Protocols

• Only hand-launched boats will be permitted; trailered vessels are prohibited.

• The existing 5 mph speed limit for motorized craft remains in effect.

• All watercraft must arrive clean, drained, and dry.

“Recreational boating is a vital part of California’s economy,” said Ramona Fernandez, Deputy Director of California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). “We urge boaters to follow the Clean, Drain, and Dry protocol to protect our waters from invasive species.”

Boaters are advised to check with individual waterbody managers before visiting. DBW’s full list of inspection contacts is available at: https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/inspections

For full details, FAQs, inspection site locations, and operating hours, visit the golden mussel prevention program webpage.

About The California Department of Parks and Recreation

Popularly known as California State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Discover the ultimate resource for bass fishing enthusiasts with Bass Angler Magazine! Packed with expert tips, the latest cutting-edge techniques, and in-depth articles, our magazine is your go-to guide for mastering the art of bass fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Bass Angler Magazine delivers the insights and inspiration you need to reel in the big ones. Subscribe today and elevate your angling game!

.aioseo-author-bio-compact{display:flex;gap:40px;padding:12px;text-align:left;border:1px solid #000;border-radius:5px;color:#111;background-color:#FFF}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left{flex:0 0 120px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right{flex:1 1 auto}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left .aioseo-author-bio-compact-image{width:120px;height:120px;border-radius:5px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header{display:flex;align-items:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header .author-name{font-size:22px;font-weight:600}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header .author-job-title{margin-left:12px;padding-left:12px;font-size:18px;border-left:1px solid gray}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main{margin:12px 0;font-size:18px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main>p:last-of-type{display:inline}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link{display:inline-flex}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link a{display:flex;align-items:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-main .author-bio-link a svg{fill:#000}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-expertises{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-expertises .author-expertise{padding:4px 8px;font-size:14px;border-radius:4px;background-color:#DCDDE1;color:inherit}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials{margin-top:12px;display:flex;gap:6px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials .aioseo-social-icon-tumblrUrl{margin-left:-2px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-site-editor-disclaimer{color:#000;margin-bottom:12px;font-style:italic}@media screen and (max-width:430px){.aioseo-author-bio-compact{flex-direction:column;gap:20px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-left .aioseo-author-bio-compact-image{display:block;margin:0 auto;width:160px;height:160px}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right{text-align:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-header{justify-content:center}.aioseo-author-bio-compact-right .aioseo-author-bio-compact-footer .author-socials{justify-content:center}}

Andrea Marini

Source: https://bassanglermag.com/california-state-parks-to-implement-new-boat-launching-requirements-for-golden-mussel-prevention/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=california-state-parks-to-implement-new-boat-launching-requirements-for-golden-mussel-prevention

$post[‘post_content’] .= ‘Source‘;