California Works to Keep Waterways Clean and Clear

By fall of this year, the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) mechanically harvested (removed) about 7.8 acres of invasive floating aquatic vegetation, and chemically treated more than 4,500 acres of invasive submerged and floating vegetation in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

DBW plans, prioritizes and analyzes control efforts to balance recreational needs with environmental and economic needs. Tools such as hydroacoustic mapping in conjunction with rake pulls, allows the state to evaluate potential and completed treatment areas and gather information on infestation levels and species composition. They have an integrated control strategy whereby areas that are identified as needing immediate attention can be targeted first.

In preparation for the 2018 treatment season, DBW is consulting with federal and state agencies on several new methods of control, which could help grow the agency’s ability to monitor and control invasive aquatic vegetation. To learn more click here.

In addition to their efforts to remove invasive vegetation, DBW also worked to keep sewage out of the waters. DBW reported this year’s Honey Pot Day disposed of 9,646 gallons of sewage from 256 boaters. From June to August, boaters can receive one free mobile pumpout in both northern and southern California waters. The goal is to introduce boaters to the ease of using a pumpout, as well as the value of keeping sewage out of the waterways. Next year’s program will kick off June 1. More information is available at www.HoneyPotDay.org.