Wednesday April 9, 2025
Sacramento Bee —
Faced with the rapid spread of golden mussels across California waterways, state and federal officials are imposing strict new measures at Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine to prevent the invasive species from taking hold.
Beginning Monday, all trailered or motorized boats at the two popular Sacramento-area lakes will be required to undergo inspection and a mandatory 30-day quarantine before launching.
“California State Parks is working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and numerous state agencies to take critical steps to prevent golden mussels from infesting Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine,” said Mike Howard, superintendent of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. “We thank boaters for their understanding as we implement the new procedures and are working to make the inspection processes as efficient as possible.”
Golden mussels, native to Asia, were first detected in California waters last fall in the Port of Stockton. Since then, they have spread rapidly through connected waterways, reaching as far south as Bakersfield. Officials warn that the freshwater mollusks threaten California’s water infrastructure, power systems and aquatic ecosystems by clogging pipes, outcompeting native species and damaging boats by attaching to hulls and clogging engines.