BRIDGEPORT, Calif. (March 26, 2026) — Committed to preserving the health and beauty of local lakes and rivers, earlier this month the Mono County Board of Supervisors adopted a critical ordinance establishing a mandatory Water Vessel Inspection Program. The proactive measure aims to prevent the introduction of the highly destructive, non-native golden mussel into Mono County waterways.

First detected in California in late 2024, the golden mussel has spread rapidly across the state. Unlike other invasive mussels species, golden mussels can survive in a wider range of temperatures and extreme alpine environments, meaning they pose a severe and imminent threat to the Eastern Sierra’s aquatic ecosystems, world-class fisheries, and local economy.

Because trailered water vessels entering Mono County from infested areas are the highest risk for carrying adult mussels and microscopic larvae, the Board recognized that voluntary measures of self-inspection or simple clean-drain-dry protocols are no longer sufficient.

Key components of the new ordinance (Adding Chapter 13.45 to the Mono County Code) include:

• Mandatory Inspections: An inspection and decontamination program targeting trailered watercraft is now legally required for water vessels prior to launching in Mono County water bodies.
• Decontamination: Vessels found to be at risk will be required to undergo a decontamination process to ensure no invasive species are transferred into local drainages.
• Regional Collaboration: This action aligns Mono County with an interagency regional effort, lead by California Department of Fish & Wildlife, to create a united, consistent defense against the golden mussel across the Eastern Sierra. 

The ordinance will officially go into effect April 9, 2026, just ahead of the busy spring and summer boating and fishing seasons.

The County continues to strongly urge all boaters, anglers, and recreationists to practice the "Clean, Drain, and Dry" method every time they leave a body of water. Thoroughly cleaning gear, draining all water from bilges and live wells, and allowing equipment to completely dry is the first line of defense in preserving the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra for generations to come.

For more information on the Water Vessel Inspection Program, golden mussel prevention, and where to get your boat inspected, please visit monocounty.ca.gov/sustainable-recreation [1] or contact the Mono County Sustainable Outdoors and Recreation division at (760) 616-4953.

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