Lake Murray (California)
| Lake Murray | |
|---|---|
San Diego, California | |
| Coordinates | 32°47′10″N 117°02′39″W / 32.7861°N 117.0442°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | City of San Diego |
| Surface area | 171.1 acres (69.2 ha) |
| Max. depth | 95 ft (29 m) |
| Website | www |
Lake Murray is a
History
The reservoir was formed in 1894 with the construction of an earthen dam, and was known as La Mesa Reservoir.[2][3] In 1910 the dam and reservoir were bought by James Andrew Murray and Ed Fletcher as part of the Cuyamaca Water Company.[4] Following the great San Diego County flooding in 1916 (associated with the rainmaker Charles Hatfield), the reservoir was the principal source of water for the city of San Diego.[5] In 1919, the dam was enlarged and the capacity of the reservoir greatly expanded.[3] The dam and lake were renamed in 1920 after James Andrew Murray, the majority owner of the water company.[3] Fletcher sold the Cuyamaca Water Company, including flooding rights to Lake Murray, to the La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Spring Valley Irrigation District in 1926. The city of San Diego took over operation of the reservoir in 1950, and purchased the reservoir and flooding rights from Helix Irrigation District in 1961.[6]
Ecology
At least 149 species of birds have been observed and recorded at Lake Murray. Among other species, the lake supports flocks of the endangered tricolored blackbird.[7] The reservoir also has Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie, and trout (stocked November–May).[8]
The area also contains many
Recreational usage
Lake Murray is a popular site for hikers, cyclists, and runners who travel around the periphery of the lake. It is not possible to cross the dam and complete the loop like nearby Miramar Reservoir but there is 3.2 mi (5.1 km) of path with access at multiple points.[9]
Kayaking and catch-and-release fishing are both allowed on the reservoir. Birdwatchers enjoy visiting Lake Murray where ducks, geese, and herons abound. At least 149 bird species have been observed and recorded here.[10]
Lake Murray is open for shore fishing and private boats, kayaks, and float tubes seven days a week.[11] The Department of Fish and Wildlife stock the reservoir with Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie and trout.[12]
See also
- Mission Trails Regional Park
- List of lakes in California
References
- ^ "Murray Reservoir | Reservoirs and Lakes | City of San Diego Official Website".
- ^ Jezek, George Ross and Roger Showley. San Diego: Then and Now. 2000. p.140.
- ^ a b c Fetzer, Leland. San Diego County Place Names, A to Z. Sunbelt Publications. 2005. p.99.
- ^ Lister, Priscilla. Take a Hike: San Diego County: A Hiking Guide to 260 Trails in San Diego County. Archway Publishing. 2016.
- ^ Federal Writers Project of the Works Progress Administration. San Diego in the 1930s: The WPA Guide to America's Finest City. University of California Press. 2013. p. 113.
- ^ "Murray Reservoir | Reservoirs and Lakes | City of San Diego Official Website".
- ^ eBird. 2009. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance (web application). Version 2. eBird, Ithaca, New York. Available: [1]. (Accessed: Date [e.g., February 1, 2009 ]).
- ^ http://www.mtrp.org/lake_murray.asp January 2012. Mission Trails Regional Park Online.
- ^ Mission Trails Regional Park - Lake Murray
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Lake Murray – Mission Trails Regional Park". Mission Trails Regional Park. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
- ^ "Murray Reservoir | Water Department". The City of San Diego. Archived from the original on January 3, 2010.
External links
