Anacoco Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anacoco Lake |
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 Anacoco Lake
Location in Louisiana
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| Location | Vernon Parish, Louisiana, US |
| Coordinates | 31°07′N 93°22′W / 31.11°N 93.37°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 1,100 ha (2,600 acres) |
| Average depth | 2.8 m (9.2 ft) |
| Max. depth | 11 m (35 ft) |
| Shore length1 | 34 km (21 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 206.0 feet (62.8 m) |
| Islands | Rabbit Island |
| Settlements | Leesville |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Anacoco Lake, also known as Anacoco Reservoir, is a man-made lake in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. It is located about 10 miles west of Leesville, Louisiana. The lake was created in 1951. It was formed by blocking the flow of Anacoco Creek, Caney Creek, Prairie Creek, and Sandy Creek. The main reasons for building the lake were to provide water and offer a place for fun activities.
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How Anacoco Lake Was Made
The idea for Anacoco Lake started with a law passed in Louisiana in 1948. This law, called La. Act 277, created the Anacoco-Prairie State Game and Fish Preserve. It set aside over 5,300 acres of land. Money was also provided to buy wild game and fish, and to restock the area. The law also allowed for building and taking care of a dam. The construction of the dam was finished in 1951.
Who Manages Anacoco Lake?
The State of Louisiana owns the land that is under Anacoco Lake. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) is in charge of managing the fish and wildlife in and around the lake. This means they help keep the animal populations healthy. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is responsible for the dam and other related structures. They make sure these parts are kept in good condition.
Changes in Lake Management
For a while, a group called the Anacoco Prairie Game and Fish Commission managed the lake. However, in 1981, a new law (Act 858) changed things. This law ended the Commission. Its responsibilities were then given to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The law also said that a group of citizens should be chosen to be on an advisory board. This board helps give advice about the lake. The Vernon Parish Police Jury created the Vernon Parish Game and Fish Commission. This group has nine members, including two members from the police jury.
Building the Lake's Dam
Anacoco Lake is held in place by a large dam. This dam is made of earth and covered with stones, called riprap, to protect it. It is about 4,670 feet long. The top of the dam is 12 feet wide. The lake's water level is about 206 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The tallest part of the dam is 37 feet high. There is also a special gate, called a sluice gate, that is six feet by six feet. The LDWF has noted that this gate is currently in poor condition.
The very first dam at Anacoco Lake broke on January 21, 1956. After that, two hurricanes in 1957 made it hard to rebuild. The new dam was finally completed in 1958.
