MWD Adopts New Launch Ramp Regulations to Safeguard Against Quagga Mussel

The Board of Directors of the Municipal Water District adopted the new launch ramp regulations at their meeting of February 4, in an effort to safeguard Big Bear Lake against the threat of the Quagga Mussel in the 2009 boating season. The new resolution is the result of discussions in January meetings, as well as public comment from commercial marinas and others. In the coming boating season, penalties will be enforced for those who do not adhere to new regulations, which include the requirement of a certified Quagga Mussel inspector on site when commercial ramps are in use; and, for private ramps, a dock license renewal will be issued once MWD staff has inspected the ramp and educated the owner on the Quagga threat. The MWD Board also reviewed increased lake permit fees at their regular meeting, including a $5 increase to cover Quagga mitigation costs; a public hearing will be held, likely in March, before the board votes on the fee increase. In other news from the MWD meeting, the board voted for LAFCO nominee James Curatalo, Jr. to represent the district on the county commission; Curatalo also received the vote of the Big Bear City Community Services District in February.