Agenda Item
6.6 26-086310:00 A.M. - (Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors) Consideration of presentation regarding proposed fee increases for Quagga Mussel Prevention Program stickers and draft Special Event Lake Access permit and consider approval of the revised/proposed fee schedule.
I strongly support Lake County's Quagga and Zebra Mussel Prevention Program, but I encourage the Board not to increase the sticker fee without first demonstrating that an increase will not reduce compliance. In fact, the County's own 2025–2027 Mussel Prevention Project narrative states that the program's success depends in part on making compliance easy, fast and affordable, and specifically warns that higher sticker prices could decrease participation and encourage unauthorized launching. The purpose of this program is not simply to generate revenue—it is to keep invasive mussels out of Clear Lake. I would encourage the County to preserve the affordable $20 fee and continue pursuing state funding, grants and other sources before placing additional costs on boaters.