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SD 5. Lake Thompson. Acreage: 8872. 



^ Location: Kingsbury County; not yet mapped by USGS; 5 miles S and 3. miles E 



q of De Smet; reached via U.S. 14. 



I— Description: Lake Thompson is the headwaters of the east fork of the Vermil- 



lion River. Greatest depth of the lake is 4.5 ft. The wetland vegetation varies 



yj with the low gradient from grasses on the edge to rushes, and then to round- 



stem bulrushes and cattails toward the center. Open water makes up 20% of the 

 area, mostly in the center. Water quality is generally fresh, but tends to alkaline 

 when low. The shoreline is flat except on the east and south. High wildlife use 

 by ducks, geese, deer, pheasants, and fur bearers. 



Encroachments: Generally, the area is little disturbed. It has been burned and 

 portions plowed during droughts. The Game, Fish and Parks Department con- 

 structed level ditches in the northeast portion. It is not likely to be drained 

 because it is meandered. It provides hunting for most of the southeastern part of 

 the state. 



Ownership: Shoreline private; wetland portion meandered and under jurisdic- 

 tion of the State Game, Fish and Parks Department. 



Data source: George M. Jonkel, 1848 Dakota Ave., South, Huron, S.D. 57350. 



Other knowledgeable persons: Maurice Anderson, Bureau of Sport Fisheries 

 and Wildlife, P.O. Box 250, Pierre, S.D. 57501; Dr. Howard Shreves, Sioux 

 Falls, S.D. 57101. 



