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Lake Perris SRA, or simply Lake Perris is a state recreational area that opened in 1973. It is used for swimming, boating, fishing, etc. It is between the cities of Moreno Valley, and Perris.
History Lake Perris SRA opened in 1973 as a part of the California State Water Project and a State Recreational Area. It greatly affected Moreno Valley and Perris' growth and incorporation. Lake Perris lets people who live in the surrounding cities of Moreno Valley and Perris to swim without having to go all the way to a San Diego or Los Angeles. However, not all swimming sports can be played here (i.e. boogie boarding, surfing, etc.) The water comes from an underground pipe going through the Badlands and leads to somewhere that has no specification. Geography Lake Perris is 1,560 feet above sea level and is ringed by various hills and small mountains.The untended areas of Lake Perris may seem rocky and barren at first glance, but an amazing variety of natural wonders are waiting to be found by those who seek them out. Flora and Fauna The predominant plant community, coastal sage scrub is host to a variety of birds and wildlife. Mule deer, roadrunners, bobcats, coyotes, cotton tail, jack rabbits, quail, gopher snakes and rattlesnakes may sometimes be seen by day though they tend to shy away from people. More frequently seen are a wide variety of lizards, rodents, water fowl, and birds of prey. Beautiful displays of wildflowers occur during the rainy season-generally November through April. The coastal sage scrub community is predominant on the south-facing slopes of the Russell Mountains and Bernasconi Hills and is characterized by shrubby plants including desert encelia, brittlebush, sagebrush, black sage, white sage, buckwheat, and cacti. Conditions are somewhat shadier on hillsides that face north or northwest so that chaparral plants such as chamise, penstemon, and--caution!--poison oak are apt to be found. Remnants of the original perennial grasses that once flourished in this region can still be found in the flat interior of the park surrounding the lake, but the majority of plants that now make up the valley grassland community (including Russian thistle) were imported from Europe by early settlers. Riparian areas near springs and seeps, and on east and south lakes include willows, cattails, elderberry and nettles. More than a hundred different species of birds have been spotted at Lake Perris. Many are migratory, and stop at the park briefly during their travels, while others make their permanent residence here. Larks, loggerhead shrikes, roadrunners, California thrashers, quail, wrens, sparrows, hummingbirds, golden eagles, several varieties of hawks, ospreys, and even bald eagles may be seen. In addition, many varieties of waterfowl use the lake including pintails, widgeons, teals, mallards, shovelers, various geese, and sometimes whistling swans and pelicans. Blacknecked stilts, avocets, killdeer, willets, kingfishers, egrets, and herons are attracted to the water’s edge. Day and night, hawks and owls are frequently seen hunting for mice, moles, wood rats, and other rodents. These animals provide food not only for hawks, owls, and snakes, but also for coyotes, long-tailed weasels, skunks, badgers, and bobcats. The bike trail offers an easy and convenient way to see some of the birds and other wildlife of Lake Perris. Early morning or dusk are the best times. Ranger-led hikes are conducted during the spring and early summer months. Most plants and animals at Lake Perris are well adapted to the hot, dry environment. Chamise leaves are tiny and waxy to maximize water loss due to evaporation. Some grasses and wildflowers rush from bloom to seed in just a few short weeks and are able therefore to complete their life cycle within the brief wet season. Kangaroo rats are so well adapted to dry environments that they seldom drink water, and manage to extract the moisture they need directly from their food. The plants and animals of Perris valley have changed considerably over the last two hundred years due to human activity, but the natural history of this area can still intrigue the observant visitor. Weather Lake Perris has hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Rainy weather is limited almost completely to the months between November and April. The area lies at a crossroads of weather influences. Coastal fog (and smog) comes from the west, while “Santa Anas”—strong, hot dry winds—come from the deserts to the east and northeast. The average water temperature there is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Activities Picnicking If you have large groups, you may reserve one, or all three of our group picnic areas on the more developed side of the park. Under each large Ramada Lake Perris supplies tables, grills, running water, and large sinks. Each unit will accommodate up to 200 people and all facilities are wheelchair accessible. Bernasconi Beach area also has one group picnic area that can accommodate 25-100 people and has tables, grills, water and chemical toilets. Swimming is not permitted at Bernasconi Beach, but it is accessible to vessels that wish to come on shore. Reservations for all group facilities can be made at the campground visitor services kiosk of Lake Perris. Between Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends they may sell out on parking and have to close the park to any more visitors for that day. Plan ahead and come early. All tables and parking are on a first-come first-serve basis. Remember Lake Perris does not allow the possession or the consumption of alcohol in any of its day use facilities. Please help keep Lake Perris clean by picking up after yourself. The park will be a much nicer place to visit if everyone pitches in to help keep our natural resources clean for other visitors, the wildlife and the future of our parks. Swimming SCUBA Diving is allowed at the swim beach at Lots 1-4. Lake Perris does not rent SCUBA gear. The Marina rents water skis, wake boards, knee boards and ski vests. More information about the Marina is available in the Boating and Watercraft link and at 951-657-2179. Hiking, Bicycling, and Horseback Riding A hiking trail leads to the scenic overlook at Terri Peak. Another trail (accessible to wheelchairs), leads to a spot near the campfire center that offers a fine view of Moreno Pass. Interpretive panels near the campfire center tell the story of the area before Lake Perris was built. A horse trail circles the lake and goes on into the underdeveloped part of the recreation areas. Springtime riders find themselves in the midst of a colorful sea of wildflowers. Lake Perris does not rent horses or bicycles. Rock Climbing Big Rock has approximately 110 bolts on its face and no more are permitted. Please enjoy the routes already established. If you need to add some excitement try some traverses between routes. We also ask that if you must aid up the flakes, please use nuts only. The climbing area is open year round although the best temperatures are from late September to about mid June. Big Rock boasts a west face so it provides shade in the morning and long evenings during day light savings. Equipment requirements are fairly light: quick draws, runners, 165 feet of rope, and a selection of nuts and/or anchors. It’s an easy approach to the climbing area requiring about a half mile hike along a paved road. Chemical toilets and picnic tables are provided, but you must provide your own water, and the park does not rent climbing gear. And don’t forget sunscreen- you can get a lot of reflection off of the rock surface. All climbing is at your own risk. The Department of Parks and Recreation does not install or maintain any fixtures or equipment on Big Rock. Lake Perris Water Withdrawal As of July 2006, 20% of the water in Lake Peris is removed due to safety concerns with the dam that created the lake. This draw down is revealing earth that has not seen the light of day since the 70’s when the reservoir was first filled and it will take a little bit of time for the sun to dry out the earth. Now, the lake is less deep. All recreational activities are still allowed, but only in certain spots. Swimming is allowed an all sides of the lake. The project is not yet done and water is still being drawn from the lake as of July 2006. ---- *http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=24006 *http://perrisdam.water.ca.gov | ||||||||
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