Tully Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tully Lake |
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Tully Lake
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| Location | Royalston, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42°38′40.7″N 72°12′56.4″W / 42.644639°N 72.215667°W |
| Construction began | 1947 |
| Opening date | 1949 |
| Construction cost | $1,600,000 |
| Operator(s) | USACE |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Tully River |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Tully Lake |
| Total capacity | 6.6 billion US gallons (25,000,000 m3) |
| Surface area | 1,262 acres (5.11 km2) |
Tully Lake is a large lake located in Royalston, Massachusetts. It was created in 1949 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This lake is a special kind of reservoir, which means it holds water for different purposes.
One main reason Tully Lake was built was to help control floods. It also offers many fun things to do, like camping and hiking. The lake cost about $1.6 million to build. It covers an area of about 1,262 acres.
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Controlling Floods at Tully Lake
Tully Lake plays a very important role in preventing floods. It helps protect areas along the Connecticut River and Millers River. The USACE reported that by 2007, Tully Lake had stopped about $26 million in flood damage.
The dam at Tully Lake can hold a huge amount of water. It can store about 6.69 billion gallons of water. This means it can capture a lot of rainfall runoff, preventing it from causing floods downstream.
The lake came closest to its full capacity in 1987. During that time, the water level rose to 62% of what it could hold. This shows how well it works to manage water during heavy rains.
Fun Things to Do at Tully Lake
Tully Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. There are many ways to enjoy nature here. You can go fishing in the lake or use small boats.
For those who love to explore, there are trails for hiking and mountain biking. In winter, you can even go cross-country skiing. Picnicking is also a popular activity.
The USACE helps keep the area fun. They have a disc golf course for you to play on. There is also a special mountain bike trail and a picnic area.
Camping at Tully Lake
If you enjoy camping, Tully Lake has a great spot for you. The USACE works with The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) to offer camping. TTOR is a non-profit group that helps protect natural places.
They manage a campground with 35 sites. These sites are only for tents, so it's a true outdoor experience. The campground is open during certain seasons of the year.
Exploring the Tully Trail
The Tully Trail is a long path that runs near Tully Lake. It is about 22 miles long. This trail is managed by several groups working together.
These groups include the USACE, TTOR, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the National Park Service, and the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust. The trail offers beautiful views and a chance to see local wildlife.
