Cole Creek Flooding Crisis
Flooding, debris, and blocked waterways have turned Lake County's Cole Creek into a death trap for an endangered fish species. Meanwhile, homes and roads remain underwater for months.
Who We Are
We're a community of neighbors in Green Acres, Kelseyville, California. Many of us have lived here for decades, witnessing the situation worsen significantly in recent years. Floodwaters now remain on our properties for more than 6 months each year, damaging homes, roads, and severely impacting daily life and the local ecosystem.
Progress Update: Grant Application Submitted
Lake County has submitted a grant application to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for planning the Cole Creek restoration. This is a major step forward, but urgent action is still needed to address immediate flooding and protect endangered wildlife while we await the review and funding process.
Decades of Neglect
Cole Creek was rerouted and channelized in the late 1950s. Since then, Lake County has performed almost no maintenance, allowing sediment and debris to accumulate. This negligence has turned Cole Creek into a flooded disaster, trapping residents and wildlife alike.
Endangered Fish, Empty Promises
Despite recognizing Cole Creek as vital for the survival of the endangered Clear Lake Hitch, Lake County authorities delayed crucial action for years. Every year, tens of thousands of fish die due to stagnant floodwaters. After sustained community pressure, the county finally submitted a grant application for restoration planning — an important first step toward long-term solutions.
Immediate Action Needed
Submitting the grant application is a major milestone, but it is not enough. Lake County must act immediately to address the ongoing flooding crisis. Short-term fixes, such as clearing blocked sections of Cole Creek with heavy equipment, are urgently needed to protect homes, roads, and the endangered Clear Lake Hitch while the grant is under review.