The Westside Water Authority, at its March 11 meeting, got an idea of how much it will likely cost to combat the golden mussel invasion – at least $3.8 million.  And that’s just the start. The authority is composed of Belridge Water Storage District, Lost Hills Water District, Berrenda Mesa Water District, and Dudley Ridge Water District. Belridge first detected the mussels in its facilities in October 2025. The mollusks have since spread throughout all four districts on Kern County’s western edge. … If authority member districts agree to use GreenLeaf Ag, it would employ the chemical EarthTecQZ. … Even at lower doses, the chemical could potentially affect carp but not game fish.

Other invasive species news:

• Jefferson Public Radio (Ashland, Ore.): A new high-tech network is tracking how California’s wildlife is changing
• Capital Press (Salem, Ore.): Conservation group intends to sue U.S Fish and Wildlife over western ridged mussel