Clean, drain, dry and tag: State and county officials are relying on boaters to prevent the spread of an invasive golden mussel that has infested much of the San Francisco estuary. On Monday, new rules that aim to curb the spread of the species go into effect for all reservoirs open to recreational boating within Santa Clara County. The first North American detection of golden mussel was in California in 2024, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. … Lawmakers and water managers have responded with a variety of measures. Several reservoirs, including Lake Tahoe and Lake Berryessa, maintain strict boat inspection programs aimed at preventing new infestations. Federal lawmakers are also seeking a broader response.

Other invasive species news:

• CBS Sacramento (Calif.): Invasive golden mussels run rampant in San Joaquin County, spark plea for federal assistance
• Active NorCal (Redding, Calif.): The state is ending invasive mussel inspections at one of California’s largest reservoirs. Experts are alarmed.