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We serve as a steward for environmental and economic sustainability of Clear Lake, its neighboring lands and waters, local communities, and beyond. |
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Clear Lake Environmental Research Center: June 2026 Newsletter |
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Spring Highlights
Spring Highlights: Reforestation takes root in the Mendocino National Forest, a new chapter for our Water Quality Lab, and how drones are supporting fire resilience across Lake County.
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Reforestation Takes Root in the Mendocino National Forest
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This spring, CLERC, the U.S. Forest Service, and Patriot Restoration Ops returned to the hills above Clear Lake to continue restoring lands burned in the 2018 Ranch Fire. Over eight days, crews planted nearly 71,000 native conifer seedlings across 182 acres east of Nice and Lucerne, marking another important step in the long-term recovery of the Mendocino National Forest.
The project goes beyond planting trees. With climate-informed planning, site preparation, and ongoing fuels reduction work, this effort is helping support a healthier, more diverse, and more fire-resilient forest for the future.
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Want to Learn More About the North Shore Restoration Project?
The Mendocino National Forest's Upper Lake Ranger District will host a public meeting on July 8, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Robinson Rancheria, 1545 CA-20, Nice, CA. Community members are invited to hear updates on the 40,000-acre post-fire recovery effort, meet implementing partners including CAL FIRE, Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance, CLERC, and Patriot Restoration Ops, and participate in a Q&A session and outreach table conversations.
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A New Chapter for CLERC's Water Quality Lab
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CLERC's Water Quality Lab is entering an exciting new chapter, marked by a refreshed visual identity and continued growth as a trusted local resource for environmental testing, monitoring, and response. What began as a recognized need for local laboratory services has grown into an accredited lab supporting agencies, utilities, businesses, and community partners across the region.
With expanded expertise from Carolyn Ruttan, Ryan FarPorte, Karen Washington, and the broader CLERC team, the lab continues to strengthen local capacity for drinking water and wastewater testing, rapid response support, and science-based environmental stewardship.
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Eyes in the Sky: Drones Support Fire Resilience Across Lake County
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CLERC's Fire & Forestry Program is using drone technology to help plan, manage, and document vegetation management projects across Lake County. By capturing detailed aerial imagery before and after work is completed, CLERC can better understand project areas, support contractors in the field, strengthen grant reporting, and track how landscapes recover over time.
This new tool is helping advance roadside clearing, fuel breaks, reforestation, and other fire resilience projects throughout the county, including areas near Mt. Konocti, Point Lakeview Road, High Valley Road, Bottle Rock Road, Clearlake Avenues, and beyond.
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Community Reminder
Got Brush Piles? We'll Chip Them, Free of Charge
If you have piles that need chipping, CLERC's Community Chipping Program can help. Sign up for free at chippingday.org and let our crews reduce wildfire fuel on your property at no cost to you.
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CLERC is making a positive impact in our community!
Stay tuned to find out how you can make a difference too... |
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