Fern Ridge Reservoir (or
Fern Ridge Lake) is a reservoir on the Long
Tom River in the U.S. state of
Oregon
. The reservoir is located approximately west
of Eugene
on Oregon Route 126. The reservoir is a
U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers flood control project encompassing more than 12,000
acres (49 km²) and is a popular site for
boating,
fishing, and
birdwatching.
Surrounding portions of the reservoir is the
Fern Ridge
Wildlife Area
, a wildlife
management area providing a unique habitat for a variety of
species including wintering waterfowl
populations.
Fern Ridge Dam
The
Fern Ridge Dam was completed in 1941, and is
currently one of 13 multi-purpose dams operated by the Corps of
Engineers in the
Willamette
Valley. The dam provides flood control,
irrigation,
recreation,
navigation, and improved downstream water
quality. The water level is kept high from May through September
for recreation purposes.
the summer, the water level is lowered up to to provide for
downstream irrigation needs, and is further lowered after September
to provide necessary water storage capability to prevent possible
downstream flood damage during the Willamette Valley's rainy
season. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ major repair effort of
Fern Ridge Dam on the Long Tom River near Eugene began in June 2005
and was completed in late October 2005. The internal drainage
system was repaired and the embankment dam was rebuilt.
Recreation
Fern Ridge is home to multiple parks and yacht clubs, both private
and county-managed.During the summer, strong, generally northerly
winds develop in the afternoon and usually last
until dusk. Because these winds are quite reliable, Fern Ridge has
become a popular sailing destination for the nearby
population.
See also
References
-
http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/projects.cfm?Id=G205830
Corps Lakes Gateway: Oregon - Fern Ridge Lake
- https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/V/proj_fernridge.asp U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers: Portland District - Fern Ridge Dam and
Reservoir
- https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/V/frrec.asp U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers: Portland District - Fern Ridge Lake Recreation
External links
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