Friends of Finnon

FRIENDS OF FINNON

The single largest expense to the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA) is the dam at Finnon Lake. The dam’s construction was completed around 1907. Now it’s over 100 years old and as things get older they are in need of repairs and, in this case, replacement. California deemed the dam needed to be replaced due to possible damage which may occur in the event of an earthquake. The State knew the dam needed replacement even while they owned the area. Yet they didn't wish to expend any funds to replace it, and sold the property to the MVFA in 1997. The MVFA is actively working with government agencies to secure grant funding, but this may never happen. The MVFA, along with the Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation District, was awarded a conditional grant through the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC). Grant approval came in December 2009. The SNC expects to receive funding monies from the General Obligation bond sale that took place the week of March 8, 2010. While the SNC has bond funding allocated from the State, it can take weeks or months for recipient agencies like the SNC to receive the go-ahead to process project invoices against those bond funds. So - some help is on the way, but when?

The amount of money needed to replace the dam is staggering, and along with that there are all the State and local permits required, unknown costs, inflation, etc. Then to add to the dam’s expense is a yearly fee paid to the State’s Division of Safety of Dams, and that is several thousand dollars per year. But without the dam replacement the lake will never surpass it’s present size. It would be nice to have full restoration in size to the lake, but………

Let's not forget the importance of the dam and lake, sure it's still a great recreation area as it is, but the lake serves as a much needed source of water to fight fires. It is also an all too important need for wildlife. From the fish in the lake to the migrating waterfowl, from those creatures needing a drink to the amphibians on its shores, this lake serves many for many purposes.

Additional expenses are the everyday upkeep of the campground, campsites, restroom, disc golf course, and the café. Yes, the MVFA owns the café building but not the actual business. The café needs to be repainted, inside and out. It needs to have its ventilation system looked at, possibly renovated as the heat ducts only do a good job of keeping the upper half of the dining area warm. It also needs some updating in regards to noise dampening, possibly an acoustic ceiling. The roof is in need of repairs, some areas need new sheathing, and the shingles are getting to the point of needing replacement.

The areas around the campsites and disc golf holes need routine maintenance which involves weed whacking, brush removal, and general cleanup.

So- having a campground is a wonderful thing, but also costly. Revenue from renting campsites and leasing the café assist with taking care of some of the smaller tasks but don’t come close to addressing the issues of the dam and café building upkeep.

This is where you, or your company / organization can assist. The MVFA is a 501(c)(3) corporation. What does this mean to you? A tax deduction! (We don't profess to be tax experts so you may wish to check with your tax preparer as to the benefits of donating). If you’re a painter then that donation of paint for the café may be a tax deduction. If you do heating or air conditioning work you can make a donation to help repair the ventilation problems. If you’re an individual that donation of five, ten, twenty dollars helps. If you represent a corporation then your donation will be a great help, a public relations opportunity, and the community will always be grateful.

There are many ways to help out- donations of goods or supplies, barter, monetary donations, any and all are greatly appreciated. We urge you to use our contact form (below) for “Friends of Finnon” to find out more. You may also phone (530)622-6832.