Advancing Wildfire Resilience Along Point Lakeview Road: Phase 1 Kicks Off!

We're excited to share that Phase 1 of our Point Lakeview Road roadside clearing project is officially underway!

This project, funded through a Round 2 Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), focuses on reducing hazardous roadside vegetation, improving visibility, and strengthening evacuation and emergency access routes in the Kelseyville area.

If you've driven Point Lakeview Road recently, you may have already noticed crews mobilizing and work beginning along the roadway. This first phase marks the start of a larger effort to improve wildfire resilience along this important access corridor, with Phase 2 expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Phase 2 will continue vegetation treatment along additional sections of the roadway, including thinning dense brush, removing ladder fuels and dead vegetation, pruning for emergency vehicle clearance, and improving defensible space adjacent to the road corridor. The work is designed to reduce wildfire intensity while still retaining healthy, fire-resistant native vegetation where appropriate.

Projects like this are one of the many ways we continue working alongside our communities, fire districts, landowners, and agency partners to proactively reduce wildfire risk before the next fire starts.

As we continue expanding wildfire resilience work across the region, some property owners may receive mail from CLERC regarding upcoming projects in their area, including possible requests for signed Right of Entry forms needed to help plan and carry out mitigation work.

Welcome to the Team: Meet Our Newest Members

This spring, the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center is excited to welcome two new team members whose diverse backgrounds and shared passion for stewardship strengthen CLERC's mission in meaningful ways.

Joining the organization as Operations Assistant, Mayme Parker brings a lifelong connection to the outdoors, shaped by growing up among the ponds, parks, and wildlife of Sonoma County. Her experiences working with Northern California family farms, combined with her love of nature, community, and raising her young family to appreciate the natural world, make her a wonderful addition to the CLERC team.

Meanwhile, Karen Washington joined CLERC's Water Lab as a Lab Analyst in April 2026, bringing more than 28 years of experience in compliance, food safety, and quality systems management across highly regulated industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and cannabis.

Together, Mayme and Karen represent the blend of expertise and dedication that continues to move CLERC forward. Whether supporting daily operations, strengthening laboratory systems, or contributing to the protection of Lake County's natural resources, both women bring valuable knowledge and enthusiasm to their roles.

Outside of work, Mayme enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, and traveling with her family, while Karen can often be found fishing on Clear Lake or exploring local trails with her Golden Doodle, Hudson. CLERC is thrilled to have them both on board as part of the growing team working to serve and protect our region's environment.