[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 67 (Thursday, April 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E319-E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING CLEARLAKE ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC), whom I have named the 
California 4th District's Climate Crisis Champion of the Year for Lake 
County for their outstanding leadership in advancing environmental 
resilience, wildfire prevention, and climate action in our area.
  Founded in 2014 by the natural resource managers for the County of 
Lake at the time, Will Evans and Carolyn Ruttan, CLERC was created out 
of a shared recognition that Lake County needed dedicated environmental 
research and action to protect its future. CLERC in the past eleven 
years has expanded immensely, bringing together a team of over a dozen 
professionals with expertise in ecology,

[[Page E320]]

fire science, conservation biology, water resource management, and 
more.
  Together, this multidisciplinary team has transformed Lake County's 
approach to environmental stewardship. At its core, CLERC's work is 
collaborative. They have partnered with government agencies, academic 
institutions, conservation coalitions, and community groups to develop 
and implement projects rooted in science, sustainability, and equity.
  One of CLERC's most significant contributions to our community has 
been its leadership in wildfire prevention and climate resilience. 
Through the strategic execution of projects outlined in our Lake County 
Community Wildfire Protection Plan. CLERC has completed thousands of 
acres of fuel reduction and fire mitigation work. These efforts have 
not only reduced the risk of catastrophic wildfires but have directly 
prevented at least four potential fire disasters in just the past year 
alone, safeguarding homes, businesses, and vital natural landscapes in 
our county.
  In addition to wildfire mitigation, CLERC has expanded its reach 
through the creation of Lake County's only California-certified 
environmental laboratory, enabling water quality monitoring and 
scientific research to support ecosystem restoration in our area. Their 
projects have protected native species, preserved biodiversity, and 
restored degraded habitats, all while creating job opportunities and 
workforce development programs in environmental restoration for our 
local community.
  CLERC has also taken an active role in public policy and regional 
leadership. The organization serves as a member of the Lake County 
Community Risk Reduction Authority, participates in state and federal 
environmental policy advisory groups, and contributes to conservation 
strategy through regional coalitions. Through this, CLERC has become a 
leading advocate for sustainable land and water management in our 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, CLERC exemplifies the best of what community-driven, 
science-based environmental action can achieve. Their innovation, 
collaboration, and commitment to environmental resilience have earned 
them well-deserved recognition in California and beyond. Therefore, it 
is fitting that we honor them here today as Lake County's 2025 Climate 
Crisis Champion.

                          ____________________