Lake Casitais Board of Directors Says Yes to Kayaks and Canoes on the Lake

Kayaks and Canoes Allowed to Return to Lake Casitas  

 The Casitas Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recently approved a policy to allow kayak and canoe owners to regain access to Lake Casitas. Earlier this year, Casitas implemented a policy to restrict open access of watercraft to the lake to prevent an invasive mussel infestation. Quagga and Zebra mussels were recently introduced to California waterways and pose significant risk to water quality and the environment due in part to their prolific breeding. The Board, in its decision to allow access for kayaks and canoes, was responding to the many kayak and canoe enthusiast that contacted Casitas’ staff about not being able to utilize the lake. Much like the restrictions in place with other watercrafts, the kayak and canoe policy will not allow kayaks and canoes that use Lake Casitas to visit other water bodies so that Lake Casitas will continue to be protected from invasive mussels.
A long-time kayaker and Oak View resident Steve Grumette, designed a method to allow a kayaker or canoeist to lock a PVC pipe-and cable rack to their craft, which prevents the boat from being used on water but allows it to be taken to and from the lake on the roof of their car. Grumette said he would produce the rack-and-lock mechanism for $50 to $70 each. The lock tag would need to be removed by Lake Casitas Recreation Area staff or the vessel would not be able to enter the Lake Casitas Recreation Area. "Once it’s publicized there are an unknown number of kayakers out there who'll be interested,” said Grumette, a professional filmmaker who is also artistic director of the Ojai Film Festival. "There are many who don't want their kayaks stored at the lake, where they are short of room, or don't want to have it locked to their cars or a trailer,” he said. “So this would work for them.” 
The program also allows for several other methods to use kayaks or canoes on Lake Casitas. Owners may store their watercraft at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area for $1 per foot per month; or, they may use district-approved tags and cables to attach their kayak or canoe to a trailer, a wheeled carrier or another kayak that will prevent the boat from being used in any other lake. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent as well.

Please contact Ron Merckling, Public Affairs Manager for the Casitas Municipal Water District at (805) 649-22511 for additional information.