Lake Neepaulin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Neepaulin |
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Lake Neepaulin looking northwest from the dam
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| Location | Wantage Township, New Jersey, United States |
| Type | freshwater lake |
| Etymology | derived from the names of the residential community developer's children. |
| River sources | Neepaulakating Creek |
| Built | 1950s |
| Max. length | 0.5 miles (0.80 km) |
| Surface elevation | 509 feet (155 m) |
Lake Neepaulin is a small, man-made freshwater lake located in Wantage Township, which is part of Sussex County, New Jersey. This lake was created in the 1950s by building a dam across a small mountain stream. It was designed to be the main feature of a private neighborhood. The stream that feeds the lake is now called Neepaulakating Creek.
Contents
Discover Lake Neepaulin: A Man-Made Gem
Lake Neepaulin is a lake that people created by building a dam. This dam holds back the water of Neepaulakating Creek. This small mountain stream didn't even have a name until 2002! The stream starts about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) northwest of the lake's northern end.
The lake sits about 509 feet (155 meters) above sea level. It is the center of a private community where people live. From the dam, the creek flows southeast for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km). It then joins Papakating Creek, which is a larger stream that flows into the Wallkill River.
Understanding Water Quality: Why Lake Neepaulin Matters
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) studies the health of New Jersey's waters. They have found that Lake Neepaulin, along with a nearby lake called Clove Acres Lake, adds extra nutrients to Papakating Creek. These extra nutrients, especially phosphorus, can cause problems like too much algae growth.
Where do these extra nutrients come from? They can come from several places. Sometimes, they come from fertilizer used on lawns in the neighborhoods around the lake. They can also come from nearby farms. Another source is the large groups of geese that live around the lakes.
The Story of Lake Neepaulin: How It Was Created
In the 1950s, a real estate developer had an idea. They decided to build a dam across an unnamed stream. This created Lake Neepaulin. The lake became the main attraction for a new private community built around its shores.
How Lake Neepaulin Got Its Name
The name "Neepaulin" is quite unique! It was created by combining the names of the original developer's children. It's a special way to remember the family who helped create this community.
Public Access and Lake Management
For many years, the lake was managed by a non-profit group. However, in 2014, Wantage Township took over ownership of the lake. This change meant that certain areas of the lake could be opened for recreation for people who live in the township.
When the township took over, they also became responsible for a big loan. This loan, for $1.2 million, was from the NJDEP. It was used to help fix and restore the dam, making sure it stays safe and strong for everyone.
