Petition to the City of Temecula: Protect Wildlife, Children, and Pets at Harveston Lake — Enforce Fishing Regulations or Suspend Fishing

 

 

To: Temecula City Council and Parks and Recreation Department

We, the undersigned residents, visitors, and concerned community members, are urgently requesting action to address the ongoing problems related to fishing at Harveston Lake in Temecula, California.

 

 

The Problem:

Although rules are posted to encourage responsible fishing, enforcement is virtually nonexistent. As a result, there is consistent misuse of the lake area by individuals who leave behind hazardous fishing materials, including:

Abandoned fishing lines, baited hooks, and lures that pose a serious threat to both wildlife and the public

 

 

Injuries and fatalities among ducks, geese, turtles, and other animals who become entangled or swallow hooks and lines

 

 

Risks to children, who can step on or pick up discarded hooks, leading to puncture wounds and possible infection

Dangers to pets, especially dogs, who may step on hidden hooks or ingest baited ones left behind — often requiring emergency veterinary care

A decline in the overall safety and enjoyment of the park for families and nature lovers

 

 

Additionally, we recognize that the City of Temecula currently employs only three park rangers to oversee 42 parks across the city. Given this limitation, it is clear that the City does not have the capacity to adequately monitor or enforce fishing regulations at Harveston Lake on a consistent basis.

 

 

Our Request:

In light of these serious and ongoing hazards, we respectfully urge the City of Temecula to take one of the following actions:

1. Immediately suspend or permanently ban fishing at Harveston Lake, OR

2. Hire and assign full-time staff to be present at the lake daily to monitor fishing activity, enforce regulations, issue warnings or fines, and clean up dangerous debris.

 

 

Why This Matters:

Harveston Lake is intended to be a peaceful, family- and wildlife-friendly space. When fishing is unregulated, it transforms into a hazardous environment. Hooks hidden in the grass, bait left on the shore, and tangled lines in the water put animals, children, and pets at serious and unnecessary risk.

 

 

The City’s current staffing levels do not support adequate monitoring. Without immediate action, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

We ask the City to prioritize public safety and environmental responsibility by taking swift and decisive action.

Sincerely,

Your Residents