Why have a research center at Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is a unique resource for scientific study. Being the largest natural freshwater lake in California and the oldest lake in North America, it is a tremendous resource for scientific research due to its unique characteristics.
The Clear Lake basin contains numerous volcanic gas vents, some under the surface of the lake.
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With over 400 feet of sediment on its bottom, Clear Lake acts as nature’s time capsule, providing scientists a look back into millions of years of history. This information is useful for a number of purposes, including understanding how the Earth responds to climate change and how human impacts affect lakes over time. The information gained will be of benefit to locations all over the world. |
Due to its complexity, Clear Lake has suffered historically from a lack of comprehensive understanding of its physical, chemical, and biological processes, which has made lake management difficult for government officials. For example, there is an information deficit when it comes to understanding events such as hazardous algal blooms (HAB), which have been an increasing occurrence across lakes worldwide in the 21st century. By concentrating efforts to study this and other lake processes, sustainable solutions are more likely to be developed, implemented, and shared by officials and citizens associated with lake management, not just at Clear Lake, but at other lakes around the world.
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There is a long history of scientific research of Clear Lake, but much of that research was carried out by entities outside of the local community who left the area after their research projects concluded. Going forward, the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center intends to act as a stable umbrella organization that ensures that research stays continuous, focused, and productive.
Locating scientific research and education programs on the shores of Clear Lake is also an opportunity to add much needed fuel to the economic engine of Lake County. By having a location of continuous scientific study and education in the community, spillover economic development effects can be realized by the citizens of Lake County.
Clear Lake is already a major hub for outdoor recreation, including bass fishing, kayaking, water skiing, and bird watching. The community has expressed interest in sharing Clear Lake with 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. The creation of such facilities is one of CLERC's major long-term goals.
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