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Inyo County adopts golden‑mussel prevention ordinance with Mono County reciprocity clause

Inyo County Board of Supervisors · February 17, 2026

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Summary

The Board approved an ordinance to prevent golden mussel infestation in county waters and added language for reciprocity with Mono County and the Town of Mammoth Lakes, subject to a CAO finding of substantially similar programs; the Lone Pine Paiute‑Shoshone Tribe sent a letter of support.

The Inyo County Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 17 to adopt an ordinance aimed at preventing the introduction of the invasive golden mussel into county waters, with amendments to allow reciprocity with neighboring jurisdictions.

County Counsel John Vallejo told the board that he added red‑line language to permit reciprocity with Mono County and the Town of Mammoth Lakes so long as the county administrator finds those jurisdictions maintain substantially similar prevention programs. Vallejo said the changes reflected coordination requested after a recent workshop.

The board noted receipt of a letter of support from the Lone Pine Paiute‑Shoshone Reservation. Supervisor Waddleton moved to approve the ordinance with the changes; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor.

The ordinance is intended to stop the introduction of golden mussel via reciprocal enforcement at boat launches and through interjurisdictional coordination. County staff will work with Mono County and the Town of Mammoth Lakes to assess whether their programs are substantially similar and report back to the board.