Tuttle Creek Lake

Tuttle Creek Lake is a large reservoir located in Kansas, United States, and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is situated near the city of Manhattan, Kansas, and is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The construction of the lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954, and was completed in 1962, with the help of Bechtel Group and United States Bureau of Reclamation. The lake is also close to the Konza Prairie, a nature reserve managed by Kansas State University and The Nature Conservancy.

Geography

Tuttle Creek Lake is located in the Flint Hills region of Kansas, near the city of Manhattan, Kansas, and is surrounded by the Riley County, Kansas, and Pottawatomie County, Kansas. The lake has a surface area of approximately 12,500 acres, and a shoreline of over 100 miles, with many coves and inlets. The lake is fed by the Big Blue River and the Kansas River, which are both tributaries of the Missouri River. The lake is also close to the Milford Lake, another large reservoir in Kansas, and is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Kansas Water Office. The lake's geography is also influenced by the Smoky Hills region, which is known for its unique landscape and geology.

History

The construction of Tuttle Creek Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954, which was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The construction of the lake was completed in 1962, at a cost of over $125 million, with the help of Bechtel Group and United States Bureau of Reclamation. The lake was built to provide flood control and water supply for the surrounding area, as well as to create a recreational destination for the public. The lake is named after Floyd Tuttle, a Kansas politician who played a key role in the development of the lake. The lake's history is also tied to the Kansas River Valley, which has been home to many Native American tribes, including the Kansa people and the Osage Nation.

Hydrology

Tuttle Creek Lake is a reservoir that is fed by the Big Blue River and the Kansas River, which are both tributaries of the Missouri River. The lake has a water volume of approximately 1,163,000 acre-feet, and a surface elevation of 1,078 feet. The lake's water level is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the lake's dam and spillway. The lake's hydrology is also influenced by the Kansas Water Office, which works to manage the state's water resources and prevent flooding. The lake is also connected to the National Hydrologic Warning Council, which provides flood forecasting and water quality monitoring.

Recreation

Tuttle Creek Lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake has several parks and recreation areas, including the Tuttle Creek State Park, which offers camping, picnicking, and swimming. The lake is also home to several marinas, including the Tuttle Creek Marina and the Milford Lake Marina, which offer boat rentals and fishing guides. The lake is also close to the Konza Prairie, a nature reserve managed by Kansas State University and The Nature Conservancy, which offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. The lake is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with many species of waterfowl and songbirds present, including the American White Pelican and the Bald Eagle.

Environmental Impact

Tuttle Creek Lake has had a significant impact on the environment, both positive and negative. The lake has helped to control flooding in the surrounding area, and has provided a source of water supply for the local community. However, the lake has also had negative impacts on the environment, including the displacement of wildlife habitats and the alteration of the natural hydrology of the area. The lake is also susceptible to water pollution, including agricultural runoff and sewage from nearby cities, including Manhattan, Kansas and Junction City, Kansas. The lake's environmental impact is managed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. The lake is also part of the National Lakes Assessment, which provides water quality monitoring and ecological assessments. Category:Lakes of Kansas