Lake Walter E. Long facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Walter E. Long |
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U.S. soldiers and various state personnel conducting airborne and water rescue drills in 2012
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 Lake Walter E. Long
Location in Texas
Lake Walter E. Long
Location in the United States
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| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Coordinates | 30°17.11′N 97°35.77′W / 30.28517°N 97.59617°W |
| Type | Power plant cooling reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Decker Creek |
| Primary outflows | Decker Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Managing agency | City of Austin |
| Built | 1967 |
| Surface area | 1,269 acres (514 ha) |
| Max. depth | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Surface elevation | 555 ft (169 m) |
Lake Walter E. Long, also known as Decker Lake, is a special kind of lake in Austin, Texas. It's a reservoir, which means it's a man-made lake used to store water. This lake helps cool down a power plant that makes electricity.
The lake was created in 1967 by building a dam on Decker Creek. Its main job is to provide water for the power plant's machines. The City of Austin manages both the dam and the lake. Around the lake, you'll find Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park. This park is a popular spot for outdoor fun!
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Discovering Lake Walter E. Long's Wildlife
Lake Walter E. Long is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. The lake has been stocked with fish to make it a great place for fishing.
Fish Species in the Lake
You can find several types of fish swimming in Lake Walter E. Long. These include:
- Catfish
- Largemouth bass
- Hybrid striped bass
- Sunfish
Plants Growing in the Water
The lake also has various plant species. These plants are an important part of the lake's ecosystem. Some of the plants you might see are:
- Hydrilla
- Pondweed
- Bulrush
- Waterstar grass
- American lotus
- Coontail
- Southern naiad
Fun Things to Do at Lake Walter E. Long
Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park is a fantastic place for outdoor activities during the day. It's a popular spot for families and friends to enjoy nature.
Popular Activities on the Lake
The two most popular activities at the lake are:
- Boating: You can bring your boat and enjoy cruising on the water.
- Fishing: With all the fish stocked in the lake, it's a great place to cast a line and try to catch something!
