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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.
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