1. Clear Lake Environmental Research Center Carolyn Ruttan (707)295-0333 Carolyn.Ruttan@clerc.co

2.  501(c)3 non-profit corporation striving to bring scientific research and environmental education to the shores of Clear Lake on a permanent basis  Creating a world class research and conference center on the shores of Clear Lake, complete with lab facilities, conference rooms, lodging, and educational exhibits  Active, year-round destination facility for scientists, educators, individuals and families from all over the world  Not affiliated with the County of Lake What is CLERC?

3. Background  Imagined by Will Evans while investigating a seawall failure at Holiday Harbor in Nice, CA  The County is marketing Holiday Harbor as a site for a boutique hotel – difficult in today’s economy  Assumption: Hazardous Algae Blooms (HAB) harm the tourism industry  Challenged assumption – could a HAB actually attract any people to Clear Lake?

4. Why research Clear Lake?  Clear Lake is a truly unique resource for scientific study  Largest freshwater lake in California  Oldest lake in North America  Over 400 feet of sediment on the bottom – records the last 475,000 years  Long history of previous scientific studies leading to more questions

5. Cyanobacteria  Numerous types of cyanobacteria  Information deficit concerning the understanding of hazardous algal blooms (HAB) events  HAB’s have been an increasing occurrence across lakes worldwide in the 21st century

6. Other Areas of Interest  Climate change  Human impacts on water quality  Remote sensing applications for determining water quality  Benthic Invertebrates  Aquatic Ecosystems  Endangered species/Invasive species  Mercury Contamination  Limnology  Geology/Geomorphology  Renewable Energy  Development of Byproducts  Lake Management

7. Why environmental education?  Clear Lake is a hub for outdoor recreation – bass fishing, water skiing, kayaking, bird watching  Clear Lake could also be a world class destination for 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

8.  Increased tourism and awareness of Clear Lake through the marketing of the research being conducted and the educational programs offered by the center  Increased amount of research being conducted on Clear Lake’s water quality issues  By collocating and sponsoring multiple research projects based out of one location, the community will be on the ground floor with partnering agencies to leverage any new findings for the good of Clear Lake Community Benefits

9.  Create a modern scientific research center that would give scientists a place to study Clear Lake and the area surrounding it  Develop comprehensive public education programs for local adults and families, as wells as for school groups and ecotourists  Partner with universities and other centers of education  Generate new economic growth in the local community  Create new local jobs and bolster existing Lake County business CLERC’s Goals

10. Current Status  Still in early stages - incorporated June 2014  Held a day-long strategic planning session on July 12 to solidify vision and set goals  Built website and fair booth with help of volunteers  Looking for people to establish workgroups:  Administration  Projects & Programs (w/ subgroups)  Fundraising  Marketing

11. Administration Workgroup  Drafting Business Plan  Initial 2-year Budget  IRS 501(c)3 application  Contacting and Coordinating Volunteers

12. Marketing, Events, & Fundraising Workgroup  Determine overall fundraising strategy  Establish CLERC Membership Program  Plan and Coordinate Fundraising Events  Plan and Coordinate Outreach and Marketing Events  Coordinate Social Media Campaigns

13. Facilities Workgroup  Identify and secure location for initial science research lab.  Locate and secure initial office and meeting space.  Start long-term visioning process for building science research and education destination facility.

14. Initial Projects & Programs  Citizen Monitoring/Clear Lake Monitoring Round Table  Clear Lake Virtual Data Library  Cyanobacteria Harvesting Study  Monthly Environmental Education Series  Cyanobacteria/Algae Biofuel Pilot Project  Science Lab

15. Clear Lake Environmental Research Center P.O. Box 636 Lakeport, CA 95453 www.clerc.co Carolyn Ruttan Carolyn.Ruttan@clerc.co (707)295-0333 Contact Info.