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Collaborative effort addresses cyanobacteria, West Nile Virus in Clearlake Oaks
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Community members and local agencies have partnered to get ahead of potential issues with algae buildup in Clear Lake.
The effort, which began late last month, is continuing, with more phases ahead, according to Clearlake Oaks resident and “Save the Keys” member Leroy Dubrall.
Dubrall said the volunteer effort to reduce the spread of cyanobacteria and West Nile Virus got under way on April 30.
Volunteer groups, Lake County Vector Control, as well as concerned neighborhood citizens consisting of the Save The Keys organization represented by Ed Legan and Leroy Dubrall, the property owners association for Clearlake Oaks Keys residents represented by board members Joe Stella, Barbara Higman, Admiral Douglas Smith, Jim Salvatori and with several POA volunteers, and Lake County Vector Control representatives provided by Dr. Jamie Scott worked to place 1,500 feet of booms borrowed from the county, Dubrall said.
Last year, testing in the Keys by Lake County Vector Control demonstrated that the area was a prominent breeding ground for the West Nile Virus, Dubrall said, due to the stagnant water from the large floating masses of foul-smelling cyanobacteria, a type of blue green algae.
A report by Dr. Jamie Scott of Vector Control was a compelling reason for the acquisition of booms from the county, first pursued more than nine months ago, according to Dubrall.
The cooperation of Lake County Department of Water Resources Director Scott De Leon, Water Resources Program Coordinator Gary Hanson, Invasive Species Program Coordinator Carolyn Ruttan and County Supervisor Denise Rushing also were instrumental in gaining approval to loan the booms out to protect The Keys and the community, he said.
This project was to include three phases, Dubrall said. The third was a section of booms to be placed between the Clearlake Oaks County Water District and across to the peninsula containing the trailer park.
The goal was to prevent the cyanobacteria from reaching the launch area and water district, Dubrall said.
Unfortunately, due to lack of funding to purchase appropriate navigational lights for the area, this part of the project has to be put on hold indefinitely until additional funding is found or donated, according to Dubrall.
However, Dubrall said the first phase has been completed.
With more than 30 volunteers on a total of six vessels – one Lake County Vector Control boat, two property owners association spray boats and three privately owned vessels – approximately 1,500 feet of protective booms have been securely placed at the mouth of the Keys extending from the tip of the M & M Campground peninsula to the opposing tip of the peninsula owned and approved by Tony Lamperti.
Community members thanked Lamperti for his permission to use his launch ramp, which allowed the booms to be connected together before entering the water.
The second part of this boom project will begin soon, Dubrall said.
It will include blocking the bridge near the Clearlake Oaks public lunch ramp with an additional boom so that the algae will not access that entrance of the Keys. Dubrall said appropriate lighting and signage will be placed near the bridge on both the lake and keys side of the bridge.
Dubrall said the mission would not have been successful without all of people involved. He said it is an ongoing process that involves, money, time and dedication.
He said the goal is to execute the third phase near the water district and launch ramp for better water on the lake for the benefit not just of the community but the many visitors who wish to enjoy Clear Lake on their vacations and fishing excursions.