6.8 23-19 9:30 A.M. - Consideration of Proclamation Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Persistent Drought, Habitat Loss and Potential Extinction of Clear Lake Hitch
Clear Lake Keys POA is currently developing strategies and grant funding to restore the hitch’s Schindler Creek spawning grounds. This partnership will strengthen the future survival of the hitch that Lake County depends on. The hitch is an important link in the food chain and should be protected. In support of the emergency declaration, we would also like to share the following data from National Audubon’s Lake County Redbud chapter on the state of birds of Clear Lake: Redbud Audubon has participated in the annual Christmas Bird Count for 48 years, counting all birds in a 15 mile area in a specific time range. The 2021 count was the lowest in history with only 117 species and more dramatic was the number of individual bird sightings at only 12,289 birds. 2020's report had 127 species with 62,165 birds which is alarming. A possible reason for the steep downward spiral is lack of food source, includes hitch, in the diet of fish-eaters. Please support the listing.
Clear Lake Keys POA is currently developing strategies and grant funding to restore the hitch’s Schindler Creek spawning grounds. This partnership will strengthen the future survival of the hitch that Lake County depends on. The hitch is an important link in the food chain and should be protected. In support of the emergency declaration, we would also like to share the following data from National Audubon’s Lake County Redbud chapter on the state of birds of Clear Lake: Redbud Audubon has participated in the annual Christmas Bird Count for 48 years, counting all birds in a 15 mile area in a specific time range. The 2021 count was the lowest in history with only 117 species and more dramatic was the number of individual bird sightings at only 12,289 birds. 2020's report had 127 species with 62,165 birds which is alarming. A possible reason for the steep downward spiral is lack of food source, includes hitch, in the diet of fish-eaters. Please support the listing.