List of lakes of Independence County, Arkansas facts for kids
Independence County in Arkansas is home to many different bodies of water! You might be surprised to learn there are at least 39 named lakes and reservoirs here. These natural and man-made water spots are important for wildlife, fun activities, and even for providing water to people. Let's explore some of them!
What are Lakes?
A lake is typically a large area of water that is surrounded by land. Most lakes are filled with fresh water, and they can be formed in many ways, like by glaciers, volcanoes, or even when rivers change their path over time. In Independence County, many of the lakes are oxbow lakes. These are U-shaped lakes that form when a wide bend of a river is cut off from the main river channel.
Some of the natural lakes you can find in Independence County include:
- Brown Lake, 35°36′22″N 091°28′16″W / 35.60611°N 91.47111°W, which is about 230 feet (70 m) above sea level.
- Brushy Lake, 35°46′52″N 091°19′20″W / 35.78111°N 91.32222°W, at 220 feet (67 m) high.
- Curia Lake, 35°50′08″N 091°17′26″W / 35.83556°N 91.29056°W, sitting at 230 feet (70 m).
- Eagle Lake, 35°47′57″N 091°15′46″W / 35.79917°N 91.26278°W, also around 220 feet (67 m).
- Horseshoe Lake, 35°46′14″N 091°18′26″W / 35.77056°N 91.30722°W, one of two lakes with this name in the county, at 220 feet (67 m).
- Long Lake, 35°39′06″N 091°20′56″W / 35.65167°N 91.34889°W, which is 213 feet (65 m) above sea level.
- Ruddell Lake, 35°45′41″N 091°41′24″W / 35.76139°N 91.69000°W, one of the higher lakes at 259 feet (79 m).
There are also smaller ponds that are considered lakes, like Cow Pond (there are two of them!), Hog Pond, and Little Cow Pond. These smaller bodies of water are just as important for the local environment.
Reservoirs: Man-Made Lakes
A reservoir is a bit different from a natural lake because it is a man-made body of water. People create reservoirs by building a dam across a river or stream. This holds back the water, forming a large pool. Reservoirs are very useful! They can store water for drinking, help control floods, or even generate electricity.
Independence County has several important reservoirs, including:
- Goforth Reservoir, 35°51′25″N 091°32′48″W / 35.85694°N 91.54667°W, which is quite high up at 610 feet (190 m).
- Lake Kimberly, 35°52′31″N 091°30′45″W / 35.87528°N 91.51250°W, sitting at 574 feet (175 m).
- Lake Unico, 35°45′24″N 091°38′15″W / 35.75667°N 91.63750°W, at 233 feet (71 m).
- Lee Britten Lake, 35°49′57″N 091°32′04″W / 35.83250°N 91.53444°W, at 466 feet (142 m).
- Morris Stuart Lake, 35°39′00″N 091°41′01″W / 35.65000°N 91.68361°W, the highest one listed at 781 feet (238 m).
- Mud Creek Site One Reservoir, 35°42′28″N 091°27′34″W / 35.70778°N 91.45944°W, at 305 feet (93 m).
- Vaughn Wilson Lake, 35°47′15″N 091°47′36″W / 35.78750°N 91.79333°W, at 630 feet (190 m).
These reservoirs play a big role in managing water resources for the county.
Why are these waters important?
All these lakes and reservoirs are super important for many reasons!
- Wildlife Habitat: They provide homes for fish, birds, turtles, and many other animals.
- Recreation: People love to visit these waters for fishing, boating, and sometimes even swimming.
- Water Supply: Reservoirs, especially, are crucial for providing clean drinking water to towns and cities.
- Flood Control: Dams that create reservoirs can help control the flow of rivers, preventing floods during heavy rains.
So, the next time you see a lake or reservoir in Independence County, remember how vital it is to both nature and people!
See also
