FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2026

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Public Relations Liaison Darcy Israel, (760) 878-0373

Board of Supervisors to Discuss Golden Mussel Threat

On Tuesday, February 3, the Inyo County Board of Supervisors will host a workshop to discuss how to address the significant threat to our local environment and economy posed by the Golden Mussel. The workshop will include a presentation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as well as a discussion and review of a draft ordinance that will create regulations aimed at preventing an infestation in local waterways and surface water infrastructure.

An incredibly fast-spreading invasive species, the Golden Mussel has overtaken nearly the length of California in less than a year, posing a severe threat to fisheries and water infrastructure. Although other invasive mussel species already threaten local waterways, the Golden Mussel is considered a greater threat due to its ability to survive in the more extreme environments in Eastern Sierra alpine lakes that typically don’t provide habitat for other invasive species.

Without active efforts to educate the visiting public about this threat and a mandatory inspection and decontamination requirement for boats, it is highly likely that the Golden Mussel will be introduced into the Eastern Sierra watersheds and severely impact local aquaculture, water infrastructure, and the fishing economy. And once established, an infestation is irreversible.

Given the looming threat, Inyo County staff engaged with Mono County, CDFW, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, the Inyo County Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison, the City of Bishop, and the Inyo County Sheriff and District Attorney, to consider how the numerous parties can work collaboratively to help prevent the introduction of the Golden Mussel to regional waterways. The ordinance was drafted in close collaboration with Mono County, and included the participation of the Town of Mammoth Lakes. The goal is to create a mandatory inspection and decontamination program for all trailered boats in the region. The County also seeks to partner with the local tribes for education and outreach efforts, and the CDFW and U.S. Forest Service to help with enforcement of the ordinance.

Tuesday’s meeting starts at 10 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, County Administrative Center, Independence. The public can also participate in the meeting via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/868254781 or by phone: (669) 900-6833; (346) 248-7799; (253) 215-8782; (929) 205-6099; (301) 715-8592; (312) 626-6799. The webinar ID is 868 254 781.

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