List of lakes of Lawrence County, Arkansas facts for kids
Lawrence County, Arkansas, is a place with lots of water! It has at least 34 named lakes and reservoirs. These water bodies are important for many reasons, like providing homes for animals, offering places for people to fish and boat, and storing water for communities.
Contents
What are Lakes and Reservoirs?
It's good to know the difference between a lake and a reservoir. Both hold water, but they are created in different ways.
Lakes: Nature's Ponds
A lake is usually a natural body of water. It's a large area filled with water, surrounded by land. Many lakes in places like Lawrence County are formed naturally, often by rivers. For example, some are oxbow lakes, which form when a bend in a river gets cut off from the main flow. Over time, these can become separate, calm lakes.
Reservoirs: Man-Made Water Storage
A reservoir is a bit different because it's a man-made lake. People build dams across rivers or streams to create reservoirs. They are built for specific purposes. This could be to store drinking water for towns, to control floods, or sometimes even to generate electricity. They can also be used for fun activities like boating and fishing.
Water Bodies in Lawrence County
Lawrence County has a mix of both natural lakes and man-made reservoirs. Each one plays a part in the county's environment and daily life.
Natural Lakes You Can Find
There are many natural lakes in Lawrence County. Some are called "ponds" or "bays," but they are still natural water bodies. For example, you can find:
- Brushy Lake
- Clear Lake
- Horseshoe Lake (There are actually two different lakes with this name in the county!)
- Swan Pond
These lakes are often home to different kinds of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They are also popular spots for fishing and enjoying nature.
Man-Made Reservoirs in the County
Lawrence County also has many reservoirs. A lot of these reservoirs are part of systems designed to manage water. You'll notice many of them have names like "Cooper Creek Site" or "Flat Creek Site." This tells us they are part of a larger plan to control water flow and supply in those areas. Some examples include:
- Lake Charles
- Doctor Ralph Joseph Lake
- Little Joe Lake
- Ralph McDonald Lake
These reservoirs are very important for making sure people have enough water and for preventing floods during heavy rains.