New mandatory regulations are response to recent discovery of golden mussels in Delta

As boating season gets underway, California State Parks and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are launching a new mandatory boat inspection and quarantine program at Folsom Lake beginning Monday, April 14. The move comes in response to the recent discovery of golden mussels in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, marking the first known presence of the invasive species in North America.

Golden mussels pose a major threat to California’s waterways. If introduced into Folsom Lake, they could severely disrupt the ecological balance, damage water infrastructure, and impact power generation and water delivery systems tied to the Folsom Dam. The mussels also cling to boat hulls and clog engines, resulting in costly repairs for boat owners.

Under the new regulations, all trailered or motorized vessels must be inspected and sealed before they can be launched at Folsom Lake. Once a boat passes inspection, a red quarantine seal will be applied. The boat must remain out of the water for 30 days with the seal intact.

Beginning May 14, vessels that have completed the full quarantine period will be allowed to launch, as long as the seal has not been broken. Boaters who wish to continue accessing the lake after that may have their vessel resealed upon exiting, which will exempt them from future quarantine periods as long as the seal remains unbroken.

Superintendent Mike Howard of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area emphasized the importance of the program in safeguarding the lake’s future. “We thank boaters for their understanding as we implement the new procedures and are working to make the inspection processes as efficient as possible,” said Howard. “These prevention measures are a far better alternative to closing the lake or allowing an infestation to take hold.”

The new program will not apply to hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats, rowing shells, or outrigger canoes. Boats with electric trolling motors, such as fishing kayaks, are also exempt from inspection and quarantine.

Lake Natoma will remain open only to hand-launched boats, with no trailered vessels allowed. The existing 5 mph speed limit for motorized watercraft on Lake Natoma will remain in effect, and all boats must arrive clean, drained, and dry to prevent the spread of invasive species.

“Recreational boating is a significant contributor to California’s economy,” said Ramona Fernandez, Deputy Director of California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways. “We are working closely with our partners to educate boaters about the importance of keeping our waterways protected from harmful species like the golden mussel.”

The same regulations will apply to boaters in Lake Clementine in Placer County, according to State Parks. Boaters can find up-to-date inspection information, contacts, and waterbody regulations by visiting https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/inspections. Additional details about inspection site locations, quarantine guidelines, and frequently asked questions are also available on the California State Parks website.

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