A coalition of federal, state, and local agencies known as the Eastern Sierra Mussel Prevention Collective will begin a pilot program this Labor Day weekend to protect local waterways from invasive species. The group includes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison, Mono County, and Inyo County.
As part of the initiative, two watercraft inspection and decontamination stations will be set up at the Mono Basin Visitor Center in Lee Vining and Diaz Lake near Lone Pine. These stations will operate from Friday, August 29 through Monday, September 1 between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm.
The effort aims to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as the Golden Mussel. First detected in California in October 2024, this mussel can rapidly colonize surfaces and block infrastructure like pipes and gates. Once established in a waterway, it is difficult to remove and can disrupt native ecosystems.
“This is an urgent and cooperative effort to safeguard the incredible natural resources that make the Eastern Sierra so special,” said CDFW Scientist Nick Buckmaster. “The Golden Mussel is a serious threat that could have devastating ecological and economic impacts. By working together, we can prevent its spread and protect our precious waters for generations to come.”
Organizers are encouraging all boaters visiting the region over Labor Day weekend to stop at one of these stations for a free inspection or decontamination if needed. The Collective also recommends following “Clean, Drain, Dry” practices—cleaning vessels thoroughly, draining water from bilges or live wells, and allowing equipment to dry before entering or leaving local lakes or rivers.
This pilot program is designed to test procedures ahead of a possible expansion of inspection efforts in 2026 at additional locations throughout the area.
More information about Golden Mussels can be found on the CDFW website at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Golden-Mussel.
