At the Clear Lake Integrated Science Symposium, Geneva Thompson, the first deputy secretary for tribal affairs at the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), emphasized the importance of collaboration among tribes, local governments, and federal agencies to address environmental challenges facing Clear Lake. Thompson, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, praised the leadership of local Native American tribes in stewarding the lake's resources and highlighted their role in raising awareness about the biodiversity crisis, particularly concerning the endangered Clear Lake hitch fish species.

Thompson acknowledged the historical neglect of Lake County and expressed gratitude for the efforts of community leaders and organizations, such as the Cobb Mountain Area Council and the Lake County Land Trust, in pursuing environmental restoration projects. She noted that the CNRA has awarded over $13 million for research and initiatives aimed at rehabilitating Clear Lake, with additional funding from various state and federal entities.

The symposium served as a platform for sharing knowledge and traditional ecological practices, with a focus on addressing issues like pollution, invasive species, and climate change. Thompson reiterated the state's commitment to rectifying historical wrongs against Native American tribes through ongoing consultations and partnerships, aiming to integrate tribal priorities into environmental policies.

As part of broader statewide initiatives, Thompson mentioned the \"30 by 30\" strategy, which aims to conserve 30% of California's lands and coastal waters by 2030, and the development of a tribal stewardship strategy to enhance tribal access and management of ancestral lands. The collaborative efforts highlighted at the symposium reflect a community-driven approach to ensuring the health of Clear Lake and the well-being of its ecosystems and the people who depend on them.