County researchers, risk authority warn Mediterranean oak borer is spreading; officials outline detection, treatment and disposal steps

County and nonprofit researchers told the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 that the invasive Mediterranean oak borer (MOB) has expanded across much of the county and that early detection and careful handling of wood are essential to slow its spread.

The announcement came during a joint update from the Lake County Community Risk Reduction Authority, facilitator John VanderVoort and partners from the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLEREC). RRA staff highlighted 2024 programming and outreach; CLEREC staff then gave a detailed presentation on MOB biology, symptoms and recommended treatment and woody‑material handling.

The RRA update: why this matters

John VanderVoort, facilitator for the RRA and Conservation Program Manager at the Lake County Resource Conservation District, told the board the RRA exists to coordinate preparedness and resilience work across cities, tribal governments, fire districts and other local agencies. He said the RRA held monthly meetings in 2024, launched a website and YouTube channel, convened two virtual town halls and formed subcommittees on biomass utilization and grants coordination. VanderVoort noted the RRA received adaptation planning grant funding (APGP) to support administrative staffing through 2025 and said finding sustained funding is a top 2025 priority.

“Between now and November of 2025, we…