LAKE PIRU RECREATION AREA
Beginning on 09/10/2024, United Water Conservation District (the District) began releasing 300 cubic feet a second (cfs) of water through the Santa Felicia Dam. At this time, it’s anticipated the rate of water release will remain above 200 cfs until at least 11/01/2024. As required per the District’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license for the facility, this triggers our whitewater boating access notification.
Whitewater access will be available on Saturday’s and Sunday’s between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., by reservation only. Potential boaters should be aware the District has no control over conditions downstream and extreme caution should be exercised. There is overgrown vegetation, debris/obstacles in the water and a large portion of the creek is on private property where boaters are not allowed to go ashore.
To make a reservation, please email Senior Park Ranger Bernard Riedel Jr., bernardr@unitedwater.org, with your request and contact information at least 24 hours prior to your requested put-in date.
Lake Piru Reasoner Boat Ramp
FREEMAN DIVERSION TOURS
Freeman Diversion Tour Group
Join us for a tour of the Freeman Diversion Facility, an important part of the District’s water supply portfolio.
The facility was built by UWCD in 1991 to enhance recharge of local groundwater basins by diverting Santa Clara River flow. The facility is comprised of a grade control structure, a fish ladder, a screened fish bay, and various canals and spreading grounds.
For information about tours, call (805) 525-4431.
QUAGGA MUSSEL CONTROL
Quagga Mussels
Quagga mussels are a problem at lakes across California, including Lake Piru Reservoir. The invasive species are extremely destructive, clogging pipes used for drinking water, irrigation and hydropower, and necessitating extensive containment efforts. They also block boat motors and harm native fish by altering the habitat and the food web. After quagga mussels were discovered in Lake Piru in 2013, UWCD developed a Monitoring and Control Plan to contain the infestation. As part of that plan, the District instituted a strict inspection policy for all watercraft entering and leaving Lake Piru.
QUAGGA MUSSEL BOATING INSPECTIONS
UWCD inspects all boats entering and exiting Lake Piru to limit the spread of quagga mussels. Failure to undergo an inspection prior to launch may result in a citation. Boaters should download and print the Lake Piru Vessel Inspection Permit Application.
Until further notice Lake Piru has suspended its joint AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) tagging program with Castaic and Pyramid Lakes and will not be tagging any vessels leaving Lake Piru. We do not anticipate that it will impact our ability to provide recreation services to the visiting public. For more information, contact the Lake Piru Park Services Officer station at (805) 317-8990 or United Water’s main office at (805) 525-4431.
Boats that spend just a few hours in the water are still at risk for picking up and transporting mussels that may be attached to aquatic weeds. Follow this Basic Inspection and Cleaning Check List for All Boats to minimize the spread.
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For more information on Quagga Mussels, visit California Department of Boating and Waterways or California Department of Fish and Wildlife. |
QUAGGA MUSSEL WORKSHOP
The public workshop was designed to educate stakeholders about quagga mussel prevention and UWCD’s Monitoring and Control Plan.
“Don’t Move a Mussel” is an informative video from Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.
BIRD WATCHING
Birds in and around UCWD Property
United Water Conservation District’s Saticoy Spreading Grounds is a prime spot for seeing birds and migratory waterfowl such as mallards, great blue herons, red-tailed hawks and more.
The District, which uses the ponds to replenish groundwater, allows public access for bird watching between dawn and 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to dusk.
Those wishing to visit the property must review the rules and complete and return a waiver form. Visitors are also required to notify the District by email at birding@unitedwater.org or by calling (805) 525-4431 before EACH visit.
For more information, contact us as birding@unitedwater.org or (805) 525-4431.
DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION