Reelfoot Lake

Reelfoot Lake. Located in the Northwest Tennessee region of the United States, Reelfoot Lake is a shallow floodplain lake that borders Tiptonville, Tennessee, and is situated near the Mississippi River. The lake is connected to the Obion River and Fulton Creek, and its unique geography has been shaped by the New Madrid Seismic Zone and the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes. Reelfoot Lake is also close to the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, which are both part of the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Geography

Reelfoot Lake's geography is characterized by its shallow waters, with an average depth of 5-6 feet, and a maximum depth of 18 feet. The lake's shoreline stretches for 285 miles, and its surrounding landscape is dominated by cypress swamps and tupelo gum trees. The lake is fed by the Obion River and Fulton Creek, and its outflow is connected to the Mississippi River via the Hatchie River and the Loosahatchie River. Reelfoot Lake is also near the Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge and the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, which provide habitat for a variety of waterfowl and migratory birds, including the American coot, wood duck, and bald eagle. The lake's unique geography has been influenced by the Mississippi Embayment and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.

History

The history of Reelfoot Lake dates back to the 1811–1812 New Madrid earthquakes, which caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards and created the lake. The lake was named after a Chickasaw chief, Reelfoot, who was said to have had a deformed foot. The lake has been an important resource for the Chickasaw Nation and other Native American tribes, who used it for fishing and hunting. In the late 19th century, the lake became a popular destination for commercial fishing and logging, with companies such as the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway and the Illinois Central Railroad operating in the area. The lake has also been the site of several flood control projects, including the construction of the Reelfoot Lake Levee and the Tiptonville Flood Control Project.

Ecology

Reelfoot Lake's ecology is characterized by its diverse array of aquatic plants and animals. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including the largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, as well as turtles, snakes, and alligators. The lake's cypress swamps and tupelo gum trees provide habitat for a variety of birds, including the prothonotary warbler, wood duck, and bald eagle. The lake is also an important stopover point for migratory birds, including the American golden-plover and the semipalmated sandpiper. Reelfoot Lake has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention and is also part of the Mississippi Flyway.

Recreation

Reelfoot Lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The lake is home to several fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the Reelfoot Lake Fishing Tournament and the Tennessee State Fishing Tournament. Visitors can also explore the lake's cypress swamps and tupelo gum trees by kayak or canoe, or take a guided boat tour to see the lake's diverse array of wildlife. The lake is also near several parks and recreation areas, including the Reelfoot Lake State Park and the Tiptonville City Park. Reelfoot Lake is also close to the Fort Donelson National Battlefield and the Cumberland River.

Conservation Efforts

Reelfoot Lake has been the focus of several conservation efforts in recent years, including the Reelfoot Lake Conservation Project and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's Reelfoot Lake Management Plan. The lake has been designated as a Tennessee State Scenic River and is also part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Reelfoot Lake State Park and the Tiptonville City Park offer educational programs and interpretive trails to help visitors learn about the lake's unique ecology and history. The lake is also protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act, which help to conserve the lake's diverse array of wildlife, including the bald eagle and the wood stork. Reelfoot Lake is also near the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and the Stewart County, Tennessee. Category:Lakes of Tennessee