LAKE PIRU RECREATION AREA

Picturesque Lake Piru offers endless recreation opportunities just 50 miles north of Los Angeles. The lake and recreation area is owned and operated by United Water Conservation District and is a hub for fishing, camping, water sports and picnicking. The lake recreation area is open for overnight camping. Visit ExploreLakePiru.com to make a reservation today.

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.

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.