The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency Tuesday because of the growing threat posed by invasive golden mussels.
The golden mussel, a freshwater mollusk native to Asia, was first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by the California Department of Water Resources on Oct. 17, 2024. The discovery marked the first known sighting of the species in North America and raised concerns among wildlife and water agencies because of its ability to reproduce rapidly and form dense colonies that can clog pipes, pumps and water conveyance systems.
Since then, the species has spread hundreds of miles through California’s interconnected waterways,prompting boat inspection and decontamination requirements at lakes and reservoirs across the state. Lake Tahoe officials also have intercepted boats carrying golden mussels in recent weeks, underscoring concerns that the invasive species could spread to one of California’s most iconic waterways…