Clear Lake Environmental Research Center

Carolyn Ruttan(707)295-0333

Carolyn.Ruttan@clerc.co

501(c)3 non-profit corporation striving to bring scientific research and environmental education to the shores of Clear Lake on a permanent basis

Creating a world class research and conference center on the shores of Clear Lake, complete with lab facilities, conference rooms, lodging, and educational exhibits

Active, year-round destination facility for scientists, educators, individuals and families from all over the world

Not affiliated with the County of Lake

What is CLERC?

Background

Imagined by Will Evans while investigating a seawall failure at Holiday Harbor in Nice, CA

The County is marketing Holiday Harbor as a site for a boutique hotel – difficult in today’s economy

Assumption: Hazardous Algae Blooms (HAB) harm the tourism industry

Challenged assumption – could a HAB actually attract any people to Clear Lake?

Why research Clear Lake?

Clear Lake is a truly unique resource for scientific study

Largest freshwater lake in California

Oldest lake in North America Over 400 feet of sediment

on the bottom – records the last 475,000 years

Long history of previous scientific studies leading to more questions

Cyanobacteria

Numerous types of cyanobacteria

Information deficit concerning the understanding of hazardous algal blooms (HAB) events

HAB’s have been an increasing occurrence across lakes worldwide in the 21st century

Other Areas of Interest

Climate change Human impacts on water quality Remote sensing applications for

determining water quality Benthic Invertebrates Aquatic Ecosystems Endangered species/Invasive

species Mercury Contamination Limnology Geology/Geomorphology Renewable Energy Development of Byproducts Lake Management

Why environmental education?

Clear Lake is a hub for outdoor recreation – bass fishing, water skiing, kayaking, bird watching

Clear Lake could also be a world class destination for ecotourists wishing to spend their time in a truly unique natural place, while also learning about the place and being good stewards of the environment

Proper facilities, including a visitors' center/museum and hands-on environmental education programs, are needed to help visitors explore and enjoy the lake

Increased tourism and awareness of Clear Lake through the marketing of the research being conducted and the educational programs offered by the center

Increased amount of research being conducted on Clear Lake’s water quality issues

By collocating and sponsoring multiple research projects based out of one location, the community will be on the ground floor with partnering agencies to leverage any new findings for the good of Clear Lake

Community Benefits

Create a modern scientific research center that would give scientists a place to study Clear Lake and the area surrounding it

Develop comprehensive public education programs for local adults and families, as wells as for school groups and ecotourists

Partner with universities and other centers of education Generate new economic growth in the local community Create new local jobs and bolster existing Lake County

business

CLERC’s Goals

Current Status

Still in early stages - incorporated June 2014

Held a day-long strategic planning session on July 12 to solidify vision and set goals

Built website and fair booth with help of volunteers

Looking for people to establish workgroups: Administration Projects & Programs (w/ subgroups) Fundraising Marketing

Administration Workgroup

Drafting Business Plan

Initial 2-year Budget IRS 501(c)3

application Contacting and

Coordinating Volunteers

Marketing, Events, & Fundraising Workgroup

Determine overall fundraising strategy

Establish CLERC Membership Program

Plan and Coordinate Fundraising Events

Plan and Coordinate Outreach and Marketing Events

Coordinate Social Media Campaigns

Facilities Workgroup

Identify and secure location for initial science research lab.

Locate and secure initial office and meeting space.

Start long-term visioning process for building science research and education destination facility.

Initial Projects & Programs

Citizen Monitoring/Clear Lake Monitoring Round Table

Clear Lake Virtual Data Library

Cyanobacteria Harvesting Study

Monthly Environmental Education Series

Cyanobacteria/Algae Biofuel Pilot Project

Science Lab

Clear Lake Environmental Research CenterP.O. Box 636Lakeport, CA

95453www.clerc.co

Carolyn RuttanCarolyn.Ruttan@clerc.co

(707)295-0333

Contact Info.