A little over a year and a half ago, I wrote a letter about the dumping, littering and trespassing that occurs in the Borax Lake area along Sulphur Bank Drive in Clearlake.

A group of local volunteers had recently cleaned up over two tons of litter, tires, appliances, furniture and garbage.

Since that time, volunteers have removed many more tons of debris and a vehicle that was submerged in the lake for over 20 years.

Littering and dumping of unwanted items continues in the area. Recently another vehicle was abandoned and now sits partially submerged in Borax Lake emitting hazardous chemicals into the Lake.

Trucks and motorcycles regularly trespass onto the pristine hills in the area causing irreparable damage and erosion to the land.

We have put up signs that state the obvious: no littering, no dumping and no trespassing. The signs are largely ignored and the area continues to be treated as a vast landfill and playground for motorcycles and four wheel drive trucks. Local volunteers continue to do what they can to protect this beautiful area and keep it clean.

The history of this area dates back tens of thousands of years and includes an archeological site designated a historical landmark and owned by the Archeological Conservancy where the remains of one of the oldest known humans in North America were discovered. It is littered with trash and debris.

The city has installed a license plate camera in the area. The camera has not deterred trespassing and illegal dumping, but images from the camera are being used to prosecute trespassers.

We need help from citizens to report violators to law enforcement authorities. If you see something, say something. Together we can make a difference and preserve this historic, natural area for generations to come. Much progress has been made in recent years, but much remains to be done.

If you would like to volunteer to help protect the Borax Lake area, please contact Barbara Christwitz at Citizens Caring for Clearlake. You can reach Barbara at 707-995-0940.

Dave Sena lives in Clearlake, California.