Protecting the Lakes We Love: A Regional Effort Against Aquatic Invasive Species
The Eastern Sierra has always been defined by its pristine alpine lakes, clear rivers, and wide-open landscapes. This Labor Day weekend, a new coalition—the Eastern Sierra Mussel Prevention Collective—is taking action to keep it that way.
Formed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Southern California Edison, Mono County, and Inyo County, the coalition is launching a pilot program to help protect local waters from the growing threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS), including the recently detected Golden Mussel.
Why It Matters
The Golden Mussel, discovered in California in October 2024, is raising alarms across the West. Much like the quagga and zebra mussels that have already caused ecological and infrastructure challenges in other regions, Golden Mussels multiply quickly, clinging to pipes, docks, and even natural riverbeds. Once established, they are nearly impossible to remove and can devastate native ecosystems while driving up maintenance costs for water systems and hydroelectric facilities.
“This is an urgent and cooperative effort to safeguard the incredible natural resources that make the Eastern Sierra so special,” said Nick Buckmaster, CDFW Scientist. “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.”
Pilot Inspection & Decontamination Stations
Over Labor Day Weekend (August 29 – September 1, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily), boaters and watercraft users entering the region will see two Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) stations set up at:
- Mono Basin Visitor Center in Lee Vining
- Diaz Lake, just south of Lone Pine
These stations will provide free inspections and decontamination services to ensure boats and gear are free from invasive mussels before they enter local waters.
Protecting Our Waters: “Clean, Drain, Dry”
The coalition is also reminding all boaters and anglers to follow the simple but critical practice of Clean, Drain, Dry:
- Clean your watercraft and gear before and after each trip.
- Drain all water from your boat, including bilges and live wells.
- Dry everything completely to prevent microscopic mussel larvae from spreading.
These simple steps are the front line of defense in protecting beloved Sierra lakes like Mono Lake, Convict Lake, Crowley Lake, June Lake, and Bridgeport Reservoir.
Looking Ahead
The Labor Day pilot project is just the beginning. The Eastern Sierra Mussel Prevention Collective will use this effort to develop a long-term framework for 2026, potentially expanding WID stations to other high-use areas across the Sierra.
For more information about the Golden Mussel and other aquatic invasive species, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s AIS page.
Discover More Sierra Adventures
Looking for ways to enjoy the water safely this summer? Check out our guides:
- Dispersed Camping at Aspen Meadows
- Four Days Deep in the Emigrant Wilderness
- Yosemite Backpacking: McCabe Lake Loop
- Highland Lakes Dispersed Camping & Gardner Meadow Loop
Together, we can #KeepTheSierraWild and ensure our lakes, rivers, and trails remain as breathtaking tomorrow as they are today.
