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List of lakes of Cross County, Arkansas facts for kids

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Cross County, Arkansas, is home to at least 39 different lakes and reservoirs. These important bodies of water play a big role in the area, providing places for fun activities and supporting local wildlife.

What Are Lakes and Reservoirs?

A lake is usually a natural body of water, often formed by rivers, glaciers, or even volcanoes. They are typically surrounded by land and are not part of an ocean. Lakes can be big or small, and their water can be fresh or salty.

A reservoir is a bit different. It's a man-made lake, created by building a dam across a river or stream. People build reservoirs to store water for many reasons. This stored water can be used for drinking, farming, making electricity, or even for flood control. So, while a lake is usually natural, a reservoir is built by humans.

Lakes in Cross County

Village Creek State Park Wynne AR 45
Lake Austell, a beautiful lake found in Village Creek State Park.

Cross County has many natural lakes, each with its own unique features. Some of these lakes are quite well-known and offer great spots for fishing or just enjoying nature. For example, you can find lakes like Allens Lake, Anderson Lake, and Barnes Lake here. Other interesting names include Dog Pond, Fishing Lake, and Grassy Lake.

Many of these lakes are important for the local environment. They provide homes for different kinds of fish, birds, and other animals. People often visit them for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, or simply observing nature.

Reservoirs in Cross County

Besides natural lakes, Cross County also has several reservoirs. These man-made lakes are very useful for the community. Many of them are part of the "Caney Creek Site" system, which includes several reservoirs built to manage water resources. These include Caney Creek Site One Reservoir, Caney Creek Site Two Reservoir, and others up to Site Seven.

Some reservoirs, like Lake Austell and Lake Dunn, are located within Village Creek State Park. These lakes are popular spots for visitors to the park, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water sports. Other reservoirs in the county include Cathy Lake, Cooper Pond, and Gardner Lake. These reservoirs help ensure that there is enough water for people and farms in the area, especially during dry periods.

Why Are These Water Bodies Important?

The lakes and reservoirs in Cross County are vital for many reasons:

  • Water Supply: Reservoirs store water that can be used for drinking and irrigation (watering crops).
  • Recreation: They provide fun places for people to go fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking.
  • Wildlife Habitat: These water bodies are homes for many different types of plants and animals, helping to keep the local ecosystem healthy.
  • Flood Control: Reservoirs can help control flooding by holding back excess water during heavy rains.

Whether natural or man-made, the lakes and reservoirs of Cross County are important natural resources that benefit both people and wildlife.

See also

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List of lakes of Cross County, Arkansas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.