28 Artificial Aquatic Habitats 



Quarry ponds are similar to gravel-pit ponds and stripmine ponds in 

 that they are usually dependent on subsurface waters rather than super- 

 ficial drainage. Also, they are thermally stratified in summer, due to their 

 relatively great depths and to the limited action o£ winds on the surfaces 

 of these ponds. In depth, quarry ponds may exceed gravel pits and strip- 

 mines, depending upon the depths of the deposits, and whether it is 

 economically feasible to quarry them. 



Figure 2.4. Ponds resulting from the quarrying of limestone are quite sterile 

 and their waters are usually very clear. They make a satisfactory habitat for 

 smallmouth bass. 



LAKES BUILT FOR RECREATION 



Within the past decade, many artificial lakes have been built entirely 

 for the purpose of furnishing aquatic recreation (Figure 2.5). There is 

 scarcely any way in which recreation funds can be spent to produce such 

 a large return over so long a period. At first, artificial lakes for recreation 

 appear to be expensive. However, costs of such public lakes can be 

 amortized over the life of the impoundment,'' providing a long period of 

 usefulness and, consequently, an intangible return great enough to make 

 them highly practical. Furthermore, where lakes are not built primarily 

 for recreation, they still should be planned and constructed to allow easy 

 management of their fish populations, and should have an outlet large 

 enough for quick drainage and a sloping basin that will empty completely. 

 From the standpoint of ease in management, it is more practical to build 

 five 100-acre lakes than one lake of 500 acres. 



A satisfactory site for a recreational lake requires a basin with a 



