SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) announced that he has joined Congressman Kevin Kiley, Senator Roger Niello, and Assemblyman Joe Patterson in sending a letter to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the California Department of State Parks regarding the ongoing closure of Folsom Lake to motorized boats and the handling of the invasive golden mussel.

Despite having knowledge of the golden mussel threat for over six months, the relevant agencies did not inform the public of the new boating restrictions until April 7. While Assemblyman Hoover and his colleagues share the commitment to protecting the local environment and water delivery systems, they expressed serious concerns about the lack of preparation and the resulting economic harm to the region.

The letter specifically calls on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and State Parks to:

Authorize decontamination procedures similar to those already implemented at Lake Tahoe.

Immediately reopen Folsom Lake to all boats that have been properly decontaminated.

Develop a coordinated system allowing watercraft seals issued after decontamination or quarantine to be recognized at multiple lakes.

“The residents of our region deserve better than an abrupt closure when other options exist to safely open the lake,” said Hoover. “We must protect our waterways from invasive species, but we can and must do so in a way that maintains recreational opportunities and supports our local economy.”

Hoover remains committed to working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure Folsom Lake is reopened safely and responsibly.

State Assemblymember Josh Hoover represents Assembly District 7, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova and the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale, and Rosemont.