Lake Isom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lake County, Tennessee, United States |
| Nearest city | Tiptonville, Tennessee |
| Area | 1,846 acres (7.47 km2) |
| Established | 1938 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge |
Lake Isom is a small, natural lake found in Lake County, Tennessee. It sits just south of a much larger lake called Reelfoot Lake. Water flows into Lake Isom from Running Reelfoot Bayou, which is an outlet stream from Reelfoot Lake.
Like Reelfoot Lake, Lake Isom was formed during the powerful 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes. These earthquakes caused the land to sink, creating new lakes and swampy areas. Lake Isom is very shallow and has many swampy parts. The entire lake and the land around it cover about 1,846 acres (747 hectares). Since 1938, this whole area has been known as the Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge.
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What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
A National Wildlife Refuge is a special place set aside by the government. Its main purpose is to protect wild animals and their natural homes. These refuges help make sure that different kinds of plants and animals can survive and thrive. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages these important areas.
How Lake Isom Was Formed
Lake Isom was created by a series of huge earthquakes. These were the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812. They were some of the strongest earthquakes ever felt in the central United States. The ground shook so much that it caused large areas of land to sink. This sinking created new lakes and changed the flow of rivers. Lake Isom is a direct result of these powerful natural events.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Over time, Lake Isom has faced a problem called siltation. Siltation happens when fine dirt and mud, called silt, wash into the lake. This makes the lake even shallower and more swampy. It can harm the plants and animals that live there.
However, people in the area have started using better agricultural practices. This means they are farming in ways that help prevent soil from washing into the lake. These improved methods are slowing down the siltation process. This helps keep Lake Isom healthy for its wildlife.
Protecting the Lake's Natural State
Because the U.S. government has owned Lake Isom for a long time, it has stayed mostly undeveloped. Unlike Reelfoot Lake, you won't find many parks, restaurants, or hunting and fishing camps around Lake Isom. This helps keep the area wild and peaceful for the animals.
To protect the lake even more, there are rules about boats. Motors on boats used on Lake Isom are limited to 10 horsepower. This rule helps reduce noise and pollution. It also protects the shallow waters and the wildlife that live there. These efforts ensure Lake Isom remains a safe home for many different species.
