Finnon Lake Recreation Area (FLRA)

April 16, 2011

By the Friends of Finnon

Finnon Lake Recreation Area is owned and managed by the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA) and receives no money from any tax source or from the homeowners association (SCPOA).  The Mosquito Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) was formed in 1972 and purchased the Finnon Lake property in 1997 from the state for $1.  MVFD recognized Finnon Lake as an excellent, large source of water for fire control.  In 2006, the name of MVFD was changed to MVFA and re-organized as a 501(c)(3) California non-profit corporation in order to relieve the tax district (and taxpayers) of the responsibility for dam fees, expenses and liabilities associated with Finnon Lake. 

MVFA is an independent community volunteer organization funded solely through Finnon Lake user fees and rents, private donations and fund raiser events.  MVFA carries its own insurance, and does not impose on district taxpayers to cover its liabilities.  The MVFA is governed by seven volunteer members making up the Board of Directors. Most of the work maintaining the property is done by volunteers without any form of compensation. One long-time volunteer is Jan Okumura.  Jan’s work is reflected in the beautiful patio gardens around Frank’s Diner.  Another long-time volunteer is Kim Purcell.  Kim has spent count-less hours with her tractor in support of maintaining the campground and Day Use area.

Finnon Lake Recreation Area is open to the public for Day Use – fishing, boating, swimming picnicking and disc golf.  A day use fee is collected for participation in these activities.  User pays: only those who use FLRA Day Use and Camping facilities pay, and no fee is required for hiking or bicycling at Finnon.  Finnon Lake dam fees, property taxes and insurance amount to over $15,000 per year – not including maintenance costs.  MVFA’s goal is to be self-supporting and self-sustaining.  In addition, MVFA has spent thousands of dollars on tools, equipment, buildings, remodeling and man-hours in support of the Mosquito  Fire Department, and will continue this support. FLRA attracts campers and disc golfers from all over the world, and has revealed Mosquito as a unique area of our state.  All adults living in the Mosquito Fire Protection District automatically qualify to become members of MVFA.  If you would like to enrich your membership, please become an MVFA Volunteer on one of our committees or at FLRA.  Board meetings are open to the public and all its finances are reported monthly.  Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at the Fire Station.

There are monthly organized bird walks on the trail around the lake.  If you are interested in birding and need a little help identifying the birds check with Dave. Dave also has annual Day Use Passes for Mosquito residents available for sale for $50.  A two-year resident pass is $75.  Exclusive use of the entire 19-site campground is also available for groups.  Visit the FLRA website at http://www.finnonrecreationarea.com or call (530) 409-5515 for more information.

Come out and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature in the surrounding area.  With the new dam, the lake is full and looks the same as it did 25 years ago.  If a wedding or group party event is in your future, please consider Finnon Lake.  Frank’s Diner offers catering services.  Call Frank at (530) 409-1977 or visit http://www.franksmosquitodiner.com.  

Finnon Lake Recreation Area is closed after dark, except for registered overnight campers. Only licensed vehicles are permitted on FLRA property.  Please report any unauthorized vehicles or activity at Finnon to the Sheriff’s Dept.  From cell phone call 530-626-4911. For emergencies, dial 911.

Thank you for supporting Finnon Lake Recreation Area. The Friends of Finnon are composed of hikers, mountain bikers, pet walkers, campers, disc golfers, fishermen, Boy Scouts, church groups, wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, motorcyclists, canoeists and kayakers, and others seeking a safe place to find peace and quiet.