1. Golden Mussels Remain an Existential Threat with No Eradication Path — Funding and Research Severely Lacking Golden mussels continue to be a major long-term management concern for the Friant-Kern Canal (FKC) and connected facilities with no realistic eradication option on the table. FWA staff reported that veliger (larval stage) monitoring is now occurring monthly, with positive results confirmed at milepost 134. Chemical treatment is planned during the November dewatering period, but the Bureau of Reclamation's invasive species budget is very limited, and no significant state or federal funding has materialized. Staff discussed multiple golden mussel bills moving through the state legislature, and Kern County has declared local emergencies (Sacramento County declaration mentioned in discussion; confirm before publishing), but growers should understand this is being treated as a long-term management issue — not a short-term fix. A Bureau of Reclamation representative encouraged water users to press their congressional delegations for more funding.
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