FOLSOM — The new vessel inspection program at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area uncovered an infestation of invasive golden mussels on a boat Tuesday at Beals Point. During the inspection, California State Parks staff identified several live golden mussels attached to the vessel, which had recently been in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The boat was immediately taken out of service and stored for further evaluation. State Parks is now working with the boat’s owner and partnering agencies to safely decontaminate and quarantine the vessel.
According to a press release from California State Parks Wednesday afternoon, the discovery marks a critical validation of the new inspection and quarantine procedures implemented last month to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
“Thanks to this new program and the diligent work of our inspection team, we prevented this vessel from ever touching the water, which could have had catastrophic consequences,” said Folsom Lake State Recreation Area Superintendent Mike Howard. “The inspection and quarantine program we have implemented is in place to protect billions of dollars of water and hydroelectric infrastructure in addition to recreation and the fishery. The discovery of live golden mussels yesterday validates the importance of this effort.”
Since launching the program on April 14, State Parks staff and partner locations report that they have inspected nearly 5,000 vessels. Under the program—initiated at the request of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation—all trailered or motorized boats entering the recreation area are subject to inspection. Approved vessels receive a quarantine seal and must remain out of the water for 30 days. Once the quarantine period ends, the seal can be removed by authorized staff, allowing the boat to be launched.
Golden mussels were first identified in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October, the first confirmed sighting of the species in North America. Known for rapidly colonizing hard surfaces, golden mussels pose serious threats to California’s water systems, infrastructure, and aquatic environments. The species can also damage boats by clogging engines and attaching to hulls, driving up maintenance and repair costs for owners.
State Parks urges all boaters to cooperate fully with the inspection program to help protect Folsom Lake and connected waterways from further exposure to this highly invasive species.
Additional information about the golden mussel prevention program, including inspection locations, hours, and frequently asked questions, is available at parks.ca.gov/FolsomLakeGoldenMussels.
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