Planning^ an Artificial Lake or Pond 29 



minimum area of shallow water (less than 4 feet deep). Shallows become 

 problem areas because thev fre([uently become choked with aquatic 

 vegetation. These areas, when filled with dense, rooted acjuatic plants, are 

 useless for fishing, boating, and swimming, and may become a breeding 

 location for mosquitoes because the fish are unable to reach the mosquito 

 "wigglers." Extensive shallow areas are unnecessary for the successful 

 reproduction of nest-building fishes as may be demonstrated in stripmine 



Figure 2.5. Many lakes are built wholly for recreation. This one on the 

 Fin 'N Feather Club property near Dundee, Illinois is used primarily for large- 

 mouth bass fishing. All trees on the immediate shore line were planted from 

 nursery stock, with even the logs and rocks brought in from outside sources. 



and quarry ponds where shallows are very limited. In planning the height 

 of a dam it is sometimes possible to raise or lower the proposed water 

 level a few feet to give a minimum of shallow water. 



Lakes built for recreation may be developed to any degree, that is, the 

 grounds may be left in a relatively natural state with only access roads 

 or there may be surfaced roads, boat docks (and boats for rental), bathing 

 beaches, bath house facilities, picnic areas, pavilions, and cabins. 



PLANNING AN ARTIFICIAL LAKE OR POND 



As was mentioned in connection \\ith the planning of farm ponds, a 

 layman may handle certain preliminary details of impoundment provided 



