Our group has come a long way since CLERC was founded in 2014. After years of exploring different projects and programs, things really started to take off right as the rest of the world was shutting down due to COVID-19. In February 2020 we received state accreditation for our water testing lab and then in March 2020 we were awarded a community-wide Fire Prevention Grant from CAL FIRE to complete wildfire fuel reduction projects, planning, and workforce development. Throughout the pandemic we’ve grown from a staff of one to now nine employees! We’ve also hosted Americorps CivicSpark Fellows for the past two years.
With many of the pieces falling into place, CLERC is starting to have a measurable impact in the community. Since our analytical lab opened, we’ve helped keep thousands of dollars from leaving Lake County while providing expedited, local lab services to many Lake County water agencies. Before the 2021 fire season, CLERC took the lead to fast-track completion of the 74-acre Davis Fuel Break to help reduce the likelihood of wildfires spreading into the City of Clearlake from the Cache Creek Wilderness. We are also addressing tree mortality on Cobb by removing 100+ hazardous trees from the Fox Drive neighborhood.
Now that CLERC has created programs and has a demonstrated capacity for accomplishment, I’m looking forward to establishing and maintaining regular communications with our partners, supporters, and all the folks over the years who’ve expressed an interest in our mission, Clear Lake, and the surrounding area. As autumn approaches, I find myself feeling grateful for all the successes that CLERC has been able to achieve as well as a tremendous sense of excitement as I look forward to the full plate we have lined up for the next few years.
Thanks for your support!
-Will Evans, CLERC Executive Director
