DBW-50thAnnBook-PROOF

to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on larger projects for the first time.” Bill believes that Cal Boating has demonstrated that a relatively small group of people can do meaningful and vital work at the state level. “We earned a reputation for doing useful work, for being responsive to the boating public, and for getting things done on a timely basis,” says Bill. That dedication to responsiveness provided the basic philosophy which ensured the department’s overall success with the public.

Aquatic weed unit staff treat water hyacinth in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. In 1982, state legislation designated Cal Boating as the lead agency for the control of water hyacinth in the Delta. The plant, deceptively attractive and originally from Brazil, was discovered in the Delta over 100 years ago. It grows faster than any other known plant and can double in size every 10 days during hot weather conditions. Cal Boating operates an extensive water quality monitoring program along with programs that are studying alternatives to control the plant non-chemically. Left unchecked, water hyacinth can negatively impact navigation, commerce, marinas, and agricultural water pumping.

Early 1970s

Department becomes lead agency for coastal beach erosion control, with duties transferred from the Department of Water Resources.

Vessel registration responsibilities are transferred back to DMV.

Michael Landon (Little Joe) and Dan Blocker (Hoss) from the TV show“Bonanza” visit Cal Boating to discuss project: an inflatable fabric and rubber tube that could be filled with sand and used as a temporary groin and breakwater for beach protection.

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50 Years: The Department of Boating and Waterways, 1957 to 2007