Lake Sharpe

Lake Sharpe is a large Reservoir located in South Dakota, United States, and is part of the Missouri River basin, which includes other notable lakes such as Lake Oahe and Lake Francis Case. The lake is situated near the cities of Pierre and Fort Pierre, and is named after Merritt Sharpe, a South Dakota politician who played a key role in the development of the Missouri River basin. The lake is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, which also manages other nearby lakes, including Lake Lewis and Clark and Lake Yankton. The lake's construction was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, which was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Introduction

The creation of Lake Sharpe was a result of the construction of the Big Bend Dam, which was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s and 1960s, with the help of Bechtel Group and other construction companies. The dam was designed to provide hydroelectric power and control flooding in the Missouri River valley, which had been affected by severe floods, including the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and the Great Flood of 1993. The lake has a surface area of approximately 56,000 acres and has a maximum depth of around 75 feet, making it a popular destination for boating and fishing, with species such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Channel Catfish. The lake is also home to several marinas, including the West Bend Marina and the Shadehill Marina, which offer boat rentals and other services.

Geography

Lake Sharpe is located in central South Dakota, near the cities of Pierre and Fort Pierre, and is situated in the Missouri River valley, which stretches from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and prairies, and is near several notable landmarks, including the Pierre National Grassland and the Fort Pierre National Grassland. The lake's shoreline stretches for over 200 miles, offering many opportunities for hiking and camping, with several campgrounds and parks nearby, including the Farm Island Recreation Area and the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. The lake is also close to several Native American reservations, including the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

History

The construction of Lake Sharpe began in the 1950s, with the building of the Big Bend Dam, which was completed in 1963, during the presidency of John F. Kennedy. The dam was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers, with the help of Bechtel Group and other construction companies, and was designed to provide hydroelectric power and control flooding in the Missouri River valley. The lake was named after Merritt Sharpe, a South Dakota politician who played a key role in the development of the Missouri River basin, and was a strong supporter of the Pick-Sloan Plan, which aimed to develop the Missouri River valley for hydroelectric power and irrigation. The lake has since become a popular destination for recreation and tourism, with many visitors coming to enjoy the lake's boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

Hydrology

Lake Sharpe is a reservoir that is fed by the Missouri River, which flows from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. The lake's water level is controlled by the Big Bend Dam, which is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake's hydrology is also influenced by other nearby lakes, including Lake Oahe and Lake Francis Case, which are also part of the Missouri River basin. The lake's water quality is monitored by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which work to protect the lake's ecosystem and prevent pollution. The lake is also home to several wetlands, including the Lake Sharpe Wetlands, which provide habitat for many species of plants and animals.

Ecology

Lake Sharpe is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, including several species of fish, such as Walleye, Northern Pike, and Channel Catfish. The lake is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with many species of birds visiting the lake, including the American White Pelican and the Double-crested Cormorant. The lake's ecosystem is influenced by the Missouri River and the surrounding prairies and hills, which provide habitat for many species of plants and animals. The lake is also home to several invasive species, including the Zebra Mussel and the Asian Carp, which can harm the lake's ecosystem and cause economic damage. The lake's ecology is monitored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, which work to protect the lake's ecosystem and prevent invasive species.

Recreation

Lake Sharpe is a popular destination for recreation and tourism, with many visitors coming to enjoy the lake's boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. The lake has several marinas, including the West Bend Marina and the Shadehill Marina, which offer boat rentals and other services. The lake is also home to several parks and campgrounds, including the Farm Island Recreation Area and the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, which offer hiking and camping opportunities. The lake is also close to several Native American reservations, including the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, which offer cultural and historical attractions, such as the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation Heritage Center and the Standing Rock Indian Reservation Museum. The lake's recreation opportunities are managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, which work to provide safe and enjoyable recreation opportunities for visitors. Category:Lakes of the United States