Tri-Dam Project recognizes the importance of public access to Beardsley Reservoir and understands the interest in maintaining recreational opportunities while protecting the reservoir from aquatic invasive species.

As the FERC licensee responsible for operation and management of Project recreation facilities, Tri-Dam continues to evaluate reservoir access while balancing recreation opportunities with the need to protect Project resources and infrastructure.

At this time, the Beardsley Reservoir boat launch remains closed to trailered vessel launching due to the ongoing threat posed by aquatic invasive species, including invasive mussels.

Recent water quality monitoring conducted by Tri-Dam indicates calcium concentrations within Beardsley Reservoir remain within a moderate-risk range capable of supporting invasive mussel survival and establishment. Sampling conducted in both 2025 and 2026 confirmed calcium levels remain within this range, and the risk of introduction continues to be a significant concern.

The introduction of invasive mussels could result in substantial environmental, operational, and financial impacts, including damage to water infrastructure, impacts to fisheries and aquatic habitats, increased maintenance costs, and potential restrictions on reservoir use. Once established, invasive mussels are extremely difficult and costly to control or eradicate.

Consistent with actions taken throughout California and the western United States, Tri-Dam continues to implement preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of introducing aquatic invasive species into Beardsley Reservoir. The current closure of the boat launch to trailered vessels is one component of those prevention efforts.

Non-Trailered Vessel and Non-Motorized Watercraft Access

To provide continued recreational opportunities while minimizing risk, Tri-Dam has implemented a self-inspection and self-certification program for eligible watercraft transported to the reservoir without a trailer.

Examples may include:

• Kayaks
• Canoes
• Paddleboards
• Rowboats
• Float tubes
• Inflatable watercraft
• Cartop boats
• Small aluminum fishing boats
• Similar watercraft transported without a trailer

Small boats equipped with electric trolling motors may also be eligible if they are transported to the reservoir without a trailer.

Prior to launching, eligible users must:

• Review the list of known invasive mussel and aquatic invasive species (AIS) infested waters;
• Inspect their vessel or watercraft and ensure it is Clean, Drained, and Dry;
• Complete the self-certification permit; and
• Deposit the completed self-certification form in the self-inspection kiosk located at the Beardsley Day Use Area and retain the permit portion as instructed.

Self-certification forms, instructions, and current AIS information are available at:

Beardsley and Tulloch – 2026 Reservoir Launching Updates

Forms may be downloaded from the website or obtained at the Beardsley Day Use Area self-inspection kiosk. Completed self-certification forms must be deposited in the kiosk prior to launching.

Users are reminded that watercraft transported on a trailer are not eligible for the self-certification program and may not be launched while the boat launch closure remains in effect.

Golden Mussel Prevention at Beardsley Reservoir

In October 2024, the Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) was detected for the first time in North America. This invasive species poses a serious threat to California’s lakes and reservoirs due to its ability to survive in a wide range of water conditions.

Why Are Invasive Mussels a Concern?

Environmental Impacts

Invasive mussels compete with native and game fish for food, alter aquatic food webs, and may contribute to harmful algal blooms that negatively affect water quality and fisheries.

Recreational Impacts

Invasive mussels can lead to waterbody closures, mandatory inspections, increased boating restrictions, and reduced recreational opportunities.

Economic Impacts

Infestations can cause significant damage to water infrastructure, increase maintenance costs for boats and facilities, and disrupt water delivery systems.

Beardsley Reservoir Status

Golden mussels have not been detected at Beardsley Reservoir.

However, Beardsley Reservoir has been identified as having water chemistry conditions capable of supporting invasive mussel survival and establishment, including factors such as calcium concentration, pH, and temperature.

As a result, Tri-Dam continues to implement preventative measures intended to reduce the risk of introduction and protect reservoir resources.

Ongoing Prevention Efforts

• Continued water quality monitoring and risk evaluation;
• Coordination with federal, state, and local agency partners;
• Public outreach and educational materials;
• Self-inspection and self-certification requirements for eligible watercraft;
• Evaluation of long-term invasive species prevention strategies and future access options.

Tri-Dam will continue to evaluate available science, monitoring data, prevention strategies, and operational considerations and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

We appreciate the public's cooperation and commitment to protecting Beardsley Reservoir for future generations.