LUCERNE, Calif. – Although infestations of blue-green algae (more properly called “cyanobacteria”) during the summer of 2010 did not by any means approach the disastrous levels seen in 2009, they were nonetheless severe enough to interfere with the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike, especially in the Clearlake and Clearlake Oaks areas, and to cause serious economic hardship to resort owners. Rampant weed growth elsewhere in the lake also caused problems.

The good news is that these events have spurred discussion about the lake’s complex ecology, and the most effective ways to improve water quality and promote the overall health of the ecosystem, which has been burdened by an overabundance of nutrients from many diverse sources, over the very long term.

At the same time, the lake’s resilience has been significantly impaired by the loss of nearly 80 percent of its historic wetlands. Maintaining and restoring healthy populations of native vegetation is essential to the health of the entire watershed, and tules (Scirpus spp) are the most important wetland plants of all.

The Sierra Club Lake Group is eager to promote dialog on these subjects, and at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22, is hosting a public meeting “All About Tules” at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, at the corner of 10th and Country Club in Lucerne. Please note that this is not the group's usual Kelseyville meeting location.

The evening will feature short films that were shown at last winter’s “I Love Tules” film festival, speakers including Supervisor Denise Rushing and Department of Water Resources invasive species expert Carolyn Ruttan, and samples of the live plants and some of the products made from them.

The meeting is free and open to the public as always.

For more information contact Juliana Vidich at 707-279-1903 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..