At the October 2015 meeting of the Eagle Lake Interagency Board, the Bureau of Land Management reported that Chico State University was exploring avenues to close down the facility. At that time, the Bureau of Land Management reported that they would be willing to take back the property they donated to the University back in 1964. However, they stated in order to do so, the University would have to remove all improvements, i.e, buildings etc. At the moment, from my limited knowledge on the topic, it appears everything is at a standstill, as the University does not want to be burden with the costs of removal. However, another educational institution could take it over.  When I was still on the Lassen College Board, I brought up this topic, but it has not gained traction.

The field station was the creation of biology instructor Doctor Vesta Holt. The first classes were taught at Spaulding Tract in 1945. In the early 1950s, with increased enrollment studies were moved to the south shore at the Eagle Lake Resort. After the Merrill Flat Fire of 1955, operations were moved to Susanville and Westwood and until a new home could be located. It was not until 1964, when a new home was located just north of the abandoned Bly Tunnel and in 1968 dedication ceremonies were held at the new facility.

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The headwaters of Willow Creek is off the beaten path. Since the inception of tapping Eagle Lake for irrigation in the 1870s, its natural stream channel provided for the perfect conduit for the water flow from a Eagle Lake tunnel to the Honey Lake Valley. The spring located at Murrer’s Upper Meadow, a future post is scheduled on that topic, was just a short distance from Eagle Lake. The biggest obstacle, of course, was the tunnel construction. The original Merrill tunnel outlet was only a mile or so northwest of the headwaters of Willow Creek. When the Bly tunnel was completed, it was due west of the headwaters on the opposite side of the meadows.

Tim

Far from a household name to Lassenites, William W. White (1919-1970) has an interesting legacy in the annals of Lassen County history. A native of Montana, he came to Susanville in 1953. In 1959, he was hired as Lassen County Planning Director. He saw the potential at Eagle Lake and was committed to the development of the marina and campgrounds. He resigned his position as planning director effective June 30, 1967  to take a new position as the Planning Director for Tehama County. He died suddenly on September 20, 1970 at the age of 51.  At the December 28, 1970 meeting of the Lassen County Board of Supervisors, they passed Resolution 1961 to name harbor at Eagle Lake after White. On June 26, 1971 a plaque dedication at the harbor was held.

Tim

This is a short narrow canyon between Eagle Lake and Willow Creek Valley.  The meadow is not visible from the top sides of the canyon, so it is hidden and rarely frequented. It is also a rough steep descent to the bottom of the canyon.

In the 1890s, Joseph Rongstock had a 200-acre homestead there. In 1899, Charles E. Emerson, Lassen  County Assessor, appraised it for $620. Rongstock objected and stated it was only worth $420 and requested his taxes be reduced. The County rejected his claim. Rongstock’s taxes for that year were $10.92. On May 2, 1907, Rongstock, then residing at Lake County, Oregon, sold his property to Adam Jakobs for $300.

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In 1977 Art Wilcox wrote a small publication Fishing the Lassen Country.  The publication’s main focus is the area surrounding Lassen Volcanic National Park. Wilcox did make an exception and included Eagle Lake and below are his tips for fishing that lake.

“Eagle Lake is not within the Lassen area, but is near enough to be appropriately included. This beautiful, natural lake, and its big, one of kind specie of trout is about an hours drive from Chester. The turn-off north from 36-44 is three miles west of Susanville. The 12 miles of this road, Highway A-1, are paved but has some 12 percent grades. They do not appear to bother those towing large trailers and boats in and out, so must be of no consequence. Four campgrounds, including the huge 204 space Merrill, are located at the South end of the lake. There is a store and full service marina, accommodating all types of boats. Some people fish by wading out and casting hardware or nitecrawlers. Trolling is far more effective. Nitecrawlers behind attractor blades to be the most popular method of rigging, but all sorts of lures and combinations of terminal gear are used. The fish are large. Three or four will usually. make up the weight limit. Tackle should be considered accordingly. Don’t fool with four pound test line here, unless you are an expert with a fish on light equipment.”

Tim

This a view of Eagle Lake from Dow Butte that is located northwest of Spalding Tract. A forest service lookout was constructed there in 1939. It was removed in 1994, and can viewed at the Eagle Lake Marina.

William Dow first settled near present day Spalding Tract in 1875. Shortly, thereafter his nephew, John Spalding also located there. Dow sold out to Albert Gallatin 1886.

Tim

It was on May 4, 1961, when the Stone family sold their ranch at the north end of Eagle Lake to the Five Dot Land & Cattle Company. In 1926, Coit and Laura Stone had purchased the ranch from William and Roseanna Troxel. Apparently, none of the Troxel’s three sons wanted the Eagle Lake property.

It should be noted the Stone family retained their shoreline property on the northwest side of Eagle Lake. In October 1961 Stone’s Subdivision Unit 1 was placed on the market. The entire Stone’s Subdivision comprises 270 acres divided into 244 lots.

Tim

In the spring of 1920, W.G. Devereux, a consulting engineer was hired by a San Francisco construction firm, the latter was interested in submitting a bid for Leon Bly’s tunnel at Eagle Lake.  Not only did Devereux inspect the proposed tunnel, he examined Merrill’s old tunnel. This would prove somewhat beneficial of the geological formation. He stated that had Merrill’s tunnel been completed it would have been a complete failure, as it was so poorly planned.

As to the Bly Tunnel, Devereux wrote: “The proposition is feasible and while under the present high price of labor and material the work will be expensive.  It can be constructed within a reasonable time and the people interested in getting the water on their lands are very fortunate in being able to secure these proposed works at the price per acre agreed upon.”

His observation was a bit off. One it took a lot longer than expected to construct it, only to discover different geological features not found in the Merrill Tunnel.

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