CLERC President Receives Stars of Lake County Environmental Award

The annual Stars of Lake County award ceremony was hosted by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce on May 1 at the Soper-Reese Theater in Lakeport.  This year, CLERC's President and Executive Director, Will Evans, was presented with the Environmental Award in recognition of the tremendous impact he's made towards enhancing and preserving the unique landscape surrounding Clear Lake. The award was sponsored by Adventist Health Clearlake and presented by David Santos, Adventist Health President.

"Will Evans is a dynamic force for environmental protection and scientific study. As President of CLERC, he has facilitated the acquisition of a $1M grant from the State of California to assist in wildfire resistance and recovery. He has played a prominent role in the work to protect and restore the unique Clear Lake Hitch, an endangered native fish of Clear Lake, working on the prevention of the invasion of quagga mussels into the lake, and established an organization, CLERC, to carry out and increase the amount of scientific research being conducted on Clear Lake and using the research as a way to promote economic development for the local community.  

​Will has worked with the Middle Creek Restoration Coalition and in cooperation with Assembly Member, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry who was instrumental in securing $15M to complete property purchases for the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project. This project will eventually create 1600 acres of restored wetlands on the north end of Clear Lake that will serve to filter out nutrients that encourage algae growth in the lake. The project will also created unlimited recreation opportunities for the county's growing eco-tourism efforts.

​Will works with the Lake County Resource Conservation District (RCD) and other organizations county-wide to assure that Lake County and Clear Lake sustain their environmental and habitat values while at the same time improving the economy of Lake County. In his fire resilience and restoration efforts, he balances the need to provide safe and secure living spaces with the value of the county's unique habitat.  Will is an important environmental leader and worker in Lake County and deserves to be honored for his efforts.  He is truly an asset to Lake County's environmental community."

Check out the full Stars of Lake County award ceremony below: