About Us - A brief of Finnon and the MVFA
It’s 1905. The Finnon brothers have just sold their property to the American River Electric Company. The property is developed to build a dam and complete a lake for hydroelectric power. By 1907 the water supply at the newly formed Finnon Resevoir acted as a backup to supply the power house located on the American River just below the community of Mosquito. Water stored in the lake would eventually flow to the South Fork of the American River via Jaybird Creek. During this time the American River Electric Company was absorbed into the newly formed Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). During the next 49 years PG&E would utilize the lake as a water reserve to create electricity, then sold the property to the State of California in 1956. California would restore the area through the Wildlife Conservation Board and a fabulous recreation area was open to the public. Camping, fishing, hiking, and other activities ensued. However, by 1997, the State no longer wished to maintain the lake and property, mainly due to the need to replace the then 90 year old earthen dam. Seeing an opportunity for the community the Mosquito Volunteer Fire Association (MVFA) acquired the lake and surrounding 122 acres in order to preserve the recreational value as well as a much needed alternate water supply to be used to fight fires. Today the MVFA manages the property and lake and is striving to make improvements to keep this recreational area an enjoyment for all.
Unfortuneately the MVFA doesn't have all the necessary resources, nor man-power, to do all the things a campground, lake, and disk golf course require for upkeep. That is why we recognize the importance of those that have volunteered. From weed control, to litter removal, from general maintenance to ensuring safety - those that have volunteered have helped us keep this area an enjoyment for others. Please visit our Volunteer page for informaton on how to volunteer and future projects requiring a volunteer's assistance.
The MVFA also publishes a monthly newsletter with information regarding the organization, community, events, classifieds and more.
If you'd like to subscribe to the Mosquito Byte please phone (530)622-MVFA for information.
(6832)
If you would like additional historical information regarding this area please click here.