RBOC is urging boaters to immediately contact their elected representatives, urging them to take emergency action to address the infestation of invasive water hyacinth that is blocking waterways in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta with devastating impacts on boating recreation as well as marine-related businesses.
States RBOC President Karen Rhyne: “We are hearing many excuses on why water hyacinth has taken control of the Delta, from the drought increasing water temperatures, to delayed permit approvals for critical spraying, to fast-approaching deadlines for spraying to be completed. The Delta boating community needs to hear that the state is acting with urgency and with dedication, and that the state is committed to resolve this disaster as soon as possible.”
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Key point for your contacts:
I urge you to press the state agencies including the Natural Resources Agency to act with urgency and with dedication, and a commitment to resolve the water hyacinth infestation disaster in the Delta.
It should be noted that State Senator Cathleen Galgiani [D-Stockton] is working with other Delta legislators to schedule a panel discussion on December 15 to identify actions that can be taken to address the water hyacinth infestation.
RBOC has advocated consistently for sufficient boater funds to be dedicated by the state to timely efforts to prevent the spread of this water hyacinth and other invasive species. The state Division of Boating and Waterways within State Parks has a leadership role, and is authorized to spend boater-generated taxes and fees for this program.
However, the infestation this year is the worst in memory, with boats unable to leave their slips, waterways completely blocked, and marina businesses brought to a standstill. The Delta ecosystem is placed at risk with native wildlife starved of oxygen. Water usage, especially for agriculture, can be diminished with clogged water infrastructure.
Continues President Rhyne: “RBOC is engaged with other stakeholders and organizations, as well as elected officials at all levels of government, in an effort to develop a short-term resolution as well as to establish a structure to prevent this situation from occurring in the future.”
RBOC is the nonprofit advocacy organization that works to protect and enhance the interests of the state’s recreational boaters before the legislative and executive branches of state and local government. RBOC is in its 46th year as a statewide organization promoting the enjoyment, protection, and responsible use of our waterways.