January 26, 2026
UC Davis report identifies Cole Creek as nutrient hotspot with volatile flows
UC Davis published its Clear Lake Watershed and Lake Remediation Final Report in January 2026 with several findings specific to Cole Creek.
Read more →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.
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, Ongoing Crisis
Cole Creek is vital for the survival of the endangered Clear Lake Hitch, yet thousands of fish still die every spring in stagnant floodwaters. Despite recognizing this crisis for years, Lake County authorities delayed crucial action. Through ongoing community collaboration (monthly meetings, detailed documentation, and consistent communication about the issues), the county published a comprehensive planning RFP in September 2025 and is now working to finalize a contract, marking the first concrete step toward long-term restoration.
Recent Updates
View all updates →December 16, 2025
California Conservation Corps clears vegetation from Cole Creek
California Conservation Corps (CCC) crews have been active across Lake County in recent weeks, and between December 9 and December 16 they spent three days on Cole Creek cutting back vegetation that had been choking the channel. Working with 15-25 people each day, they loaded and hauled away a total of 30 dump-trailer loads of cut material so it would not wash downstream and clog the creek again.
Read more →November 21, 2025
Cole Creek Advisory Collaborative keeps meeting; vegetation relief pending
We continue the monthly Cole Creek Advisory Collaborative (CCAC) meetings with Lake County Water Resources, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California State Parks, Big Valley Rancheria, FlowWest engineers, and community representatives.
Read more →Progress and Continued Need
While long-term planning moves forward, recent cleanup efforts have made a difference. California Conservation Corps crews cleared vegetation from the channel in December 2025, and county workers separately removed vegetation and sediment upstream of Clark Drive Bridge in August 2025. Yet much of the creek remains clogged. Consistent maintenance (cutting vegetation, removing debris, and keeping the channel open) is essential to protect homes, roads, and wildlife while the multi-year restoration project develops.