Percy Priest Lake

Percy Priest Lake is a reservoir located in Tennessee, United States, and is part of the Cumberland River basin, which includes other notable lakes such as Old Hickory Lake and Cordell Hull Lake. The lake is situated near the city of Nashville, and its construction was overseen by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, with the help of Tennessee Valley Authority and National Park Service. The lake is named after Percy Priest, a United States Representative from Tennessee, who served in the United States House of Representatives from 1941 to 1956. The lake's proximity to Nashville International Airport and Vanderbilt University makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.

Geography

Percy Priest Lake is a reservoir with a surface area of approximately 14,200 acres, and its shoreline stretches for over 213 miles, offering scenic views of the surrounding Harpeth Hills and Cumberland Plateau. The lake's water level is controlled by the J. Percy Priest Dam, which is operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The lake's watershed includes parts of Rutherford County, Wilson County, and Davidson County, and its water quality is monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The lake's geography is similar to that of other lakes in the region, such as Dale Hollow Lake and Center Hill Lake, which are also part of the Cumberland River basin.

History

The construction of Percy Priest Lake began in 1963 and was completed in 1968, with the help of Bechtel Group and United States Army Corps of Engineers. The lake was created by the construction of the J. Percy Priest Dam on the Stones River, which is a tributary of the Cumberland River. The dam was designed by Harza Engineering Company and constructed by Kiewit Corporation, with the assistance of Tennessee Valley Authority and National Park Service. The lake's history is closely tied to the history of the Cumberland River valley, which has been home to various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Chickasaw, and has been influenced by the French and Indian War and the American Civil War.

Recreation

Percy Priest Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming, which are managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The lake has several marinas, including the Percy Priest Lake Marina and the Four Corners Marina, which offer boat rentals and fishing guides. The lake is also home to several parks and recreation areas, including the Percy Priest Lake Park and the Stones River Greenway, which offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping sites. The lake's recreational opportunities are similar to those found at other lakes in the region, such as Old Hickory Lake and Cordell Hull Lake, which are also popular destinations for outdoor recreation.

Environmental Impact

Percy Priest Lake has had a significant impact on the environment, with the creation of the lake resulting in the displacement of several wildlife species, including the bald eagle and the osprey. The lake's water quality has also been affected by pollution from agricultural runoff and sewage, which has been addressed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The lake's shoreline has also been impacted by erosion and sedimentation, which has been mitigated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The lake's environmental impact is similar to that of other lakes in the region, such as Dale Hollow Lake and Center Hill Lake, which have also been affected by human activity.

Management and Administration

Percy Priest Lake is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the National Park Service. The lake's administration is overseen by the United States Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the J. Percy Priest Dam and the lake's recreational facilities. The lake's management is also influenced by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency, which provide guidance on water quality and environmental protection. The lake's management is similar to that of other lakes in the region, such as Old Hickory Lake and Cordell Hull Lake, which are also managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Category:Lakes of Tennessee