Golden mussels are creating a growing challenge for California’s waterways, and environmental advocates say the state still lacks a consistent strategy to prevent the invasive species from spreading. … The mussels have already forced several counties to declare emergencies, while agencies across California work to slow their spread. But as officials respond, one major question remains: why are some waterways requiring boat inspections while others are not? Advocates argue that without consistent prevention measures across the state, one waterway’s efforts could be undermined by another’s weaker protections. … The criticism comes after the California Department of Water Resources ended mandatory watercraft inspections and decontamination requirements at Lake Oroville.

Other invasive species news:

• Ag Alert (California Farm Bureau): Golden mussels plague farms and water districts
• UC ANR: Blog: Tangled ecosystems: Protecting California from invasive water species