Lakes of Bear Valley Springs
The lakes in Bear Valley Springs form a vital and integral part of the natural ecosystem in our community. Many animals depend upon the lakes for fresh water, particularly in the dry, summer months. In addition to being a habitat for aquatic animals, the lakes provide resting and feeding areas for migratory birds. In addition, a plethora of species nest and raise their young in the surrounding vegetation, such as the cattails. The islands in the Cub and 4-Island Lakes provide further opportunities for nesting birds to raise their young each year.
Cub Lake is a 9.75 acre lake that is centrally located off Bear Valley Road. BVS road forms a dam that impounds the water in this man made lake. Cub Lake is currently filled by surface stream runoff with supplemental groundwater that is provided by pumping from nearby wells and pumping water out of Jack’s Hole during times that the lake level is low. The level of the lake is maintained above a minimum level to satisfy aesthetic and recreational fishing uses of the lake in addition to providing a reservoir for irrigation. It offers picturesque picnic areas, walking paths, an outdoor basketball court, playground area, a dog park and bathrooms.
Jack’s Hole is located between Cub Lake and Four Island Lake. It sits in a topographic depression and floodplain area. It is a controlled drainage hole that stores surface runoff and is drained each spring/summer to fill the other two lakes which irrigate the golf course. It is estimated to have the capacity of approximately 40 acre feet of water. It offers picturesque views as it sits along the Nature path. Because there is little human activity there, it offers the best opportunities for birding, and 57 species of birds have been tallied at Jack’s Hole.
4-Island Lake is a 37.5 acre lake located along the Oak Tree Golf Course. Water in this lake is used for golf course irrigation and recreation. The lake is filled from surface stream runoff and releases from Cub Lake and the Jamaica Dunes Basin. The lake is stocked for fishing enthusiasts. It’s also popular for swimming and boating. This recreation area has launch ramps, fishing docks, volleyball court, playground, and picnic area. The islands are considered a bird sanctuary and are closed January 1st-May 23rd. The California department of Fish and Wildlife period of protection of nesting birds is February 15th through August 31st.
Surprise Lake is a seasonal lake that ponds up behind the bedrock ridge transecting the middle valley, thereby separating the middle valley from the lower valley. The lake forms during years of high rainfall and runoff and is uncontrolled with respect to the lake boundaries and water depth. The water somewhat controls the lake level of Cub Lake and surplus flows out of Cub Lake.
Why Lakes are Important
More than 90% of California’s wetlands have been drained or destroyed. The number of birds in North America have dropped by one-third over the past fifty years, likely due in large part to loss of suitable habitat. California's Central Valley is one of the most important regions in western North America to migratory and wintering waterbirds. Lakes and wetlands are very important due to our position on the Pacific Flyway and the paucity of lakes in our area for birds to feed, rest and reproduce. More than one third of North American bird species use wetlands for breeding, nesting, shelter and rearing their chicks, while more than 80% of U.S. threatened and endangered bird species rely on wetlands.
A Vital Link Between Land and Water
Wetlands are, in fact, valuable natural resources. Whether drier or wetter, bigger or smaller, wetlands provide important benefits to people and the environment. Wetlands help regulate water levels within watersheds; improve water quality; reduce flood and storm damages; provide important fish and wildlife habitat and support fishing and other recreational activities. Wetlands are natural wonderlands of great value.
Many wetlands are seasonal (they are dry one or more seasons every year) and particularly in the arid and semiarid West, may be wet only periodically. The quantity of water and the timing of its presence in part determine the functions of a wetland and its role in the environment.
Even wetlands that appear dry for a few months - such as vernal pools - often provide critical habitat for wildlife. Many species of birds rely on wetlands for food, water, and shelter, especially during migration and breeding.
Pictures Credit: Roger Hall & Fred Bittner
Sources:
Evaluation of Potential Surface Water Impoundment
Projects for Bear Valley Springs
Fugro West, Inc.
EPA
BVSA
Lake Quality Advisory Committee