2024 Year in Review: Celebrating a Decade of Growth and Impact at CLERC
2024 Year in Review:
Celebrating a Decade of Growth
and Impact at CLERC
This year marks a monumental milestone for the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC): ten years since our founding in 2014. Over the past decade, what began as a bold vision has flourished into a cornerstone of environmental stewardship and community resilience in Lake County. As we look back on 2024, we celebrate a year filled with growth, collaboration, and impactful projects that reflect our ongoing commitment to preserving the beauty and vitality of this unique region.
Growing Together:
A Bigger Team and New Home
In 2024, we expanded our team to 16 dedicated employees, a testament to our commitment to addressing Lake County’s complex environmental challenges. To support this growth, we relocated our Fire and Forestry and Administrative offices to a new facility at 125 Park Street in Lakeport. This larger space not only provides the infrastructure to better serve our partners and community but also underscores our determination to scale up our impact.
Part of the the CLERC Team at the Clear Lake Integrated Science Symposium
Uniting for Safety:
The Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaborative
One of this year’s most significant milestones was the launch of the Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaborative, a powerful coalition aimed at enhancing wildfire prevention and resilience in Lake County. This initiative brought together partners including PG&E, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Northshore Fire Protection District, the California Fire Chiefs Association, Western Fire Chiefs Association and the USDA Forest Service.
Key achievements of this collaborative include:
Dynamic Fire Pathways Analysis: This cutting-edge study maps wildfire risks across Lake County, guiding targeted prevention and response efforts.
Biomass Utilization Pilot Project: Leveraging a carbonizer to convert waste wood into biochar, we’ve found an innovative way to reduce fire risk while promoting sustainability.
$500,000 in Funding for Hogback Ridge Crew: This critical support has expanded wildfire mitigation efforts, bolstering the collaborative's hands-on approach to community safety.
Responding to Emerging Threats:
The Mediterranean Oak Borer
Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB)
In 2024, Lake County faced a new environmental challenge with the arrival of the Mediterranean Oak Borer, an invasive pest threatening local oak woodlands. CLERC quickly mobilized resources to address this pressing issue. We launched a comprehensive monitoring program to track the pest’s spread and its ecological impact, and we conducted targeted outreach to educate tree contractors and community members on how to manage and mitigate this threat.
Expanding:
Laboratory Capabilities
Our laboratory also reached new heights this year, adding accreditation for biochemical oxygen demand testing to its suite of services. This enhancement strengthens our ability to conduct water quality research and supports broader environmental health initiatives. With the addition of new staff, our lab is now better equipped to deliver reliable data and insights that inform our projects and partnerships.
Bridging Funding Gaps: Supporting Regional Partners
When state budget delays threatened to stall critical wildfire resilience projects, CLERC stepped up by allocating $500,000 from our own Forest Health Grant funds to sustain the North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP). This funding was crucial in ensuring that wildfire mitigation and forest health initiatives could move forward without interruption. By providing financial support, we were able to reimburse private landowners for completed work and maintain funding for our regional partners, ensuring they remained employed and equipped to serve the community effectively. This collaborative effort highlights our dedication to keeping essential resilience projects on track and supporting those who share our mission of protecting Lake County.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
The Carnegie Library
over the last century
As we reflect on our tenth anniversary, we’re also looking to the future with excitement and determination. Key initiatives for 2025 include:
Visioning Workshop for the Lakeport Carnegie Library Environmental Education Outreach Center: This project will transform the library into a vibrant hub for environmental education and community engagement.
Clear Lake Sediment Core Analysis: This study aims to uncover valuable insights into Clear Lake’s environmental history, helping guide future preservation efforts.
Growing Our Team: As we expand our programs and initiatives, we’re committed to building a stronger team to meet the evolving needs of
Lake County.
Thank You for 10 Years of Support
2024 has been a year of growth, collaboration, and resilience at CLERC. We are deeply grateful to our partners, collaborators, and community members who have supported us over the past decade. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re energized by the possibilities ahead and committed to building a brighter, more sustainable future for Lake County.
Here’s to the next ten years—and beyond!
