Watauga Lake Earthcache EarthCache
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A Lake with some history behind it - Watauga Lake. There was once a
city here before a dam broke loose and covered it up! The original
town of Butler sits at the bottom of Watauga Lake. "New" Butler was
relocated to higher ground at the edge of Watauga Lake before the
reservoir was dammed by the TVA.
Lake type: reservoir Primary sources: Watauga River, Elk River
Max length: 16.3 mi Max depth: 265 ft Shore length: 104.9 mi
Surface elevation: 1959 ft
A little lesson on what a watershed is:
A watershed is an area of land from which rainfall (and/or snow
melt) drains into a single point. Watersheds are also sometimes
referred to as drainage basins or drainage areas. Ridges of higher
ground generally form the boundaries between watersheds.
The quality of life as we know it depends on water. Whether viewed
as a resource or a commodity, water is the basis of our
agricultural, municipal, industrial, environmental and aesthetic
well being. Water has been alternately taken for granted, abused,
exploited, worshipped, and prayed for. Yet, it is only recently
that a conscious effort has been made to coordinate agencies and
individuals to effectively manage and regulate land use as it
applies to watershed management.
Watershed lands vary greatly in terms of water yield, natural
sensibilities, and the activities that they support both on-site
and downstream. The relationship between proper management and
long-term results, including erosion, flooding, water quality and
production, and wildlife habitat is crucial. The importance of
watershed management that conserves resources while providing for
the needs of people and ecosystems cannot be overemphasized.
To claim credit for this EarthCache you must post a picture of you
with your GPS at the posted coordinates or the closest point at
which you can get to the bank of lake AND the answer to two of the
following questions:
1) If a drop of water fell down from the top of the mountain what
two major bodys of water would it finally end up in? Hint: One is
to the west and the other is to the east.
2) Name three types of trees that inhabit the area.
3) Name three types of rocks along the bank of the lake.
4) Name the watershed that feed the lake.
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