Lake Talquin
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Lake Talquin is a reservoir located on the Ochlockonee River between Leon County and Gadsden County in north Florida. The lake, located about 10 miles (15 km) west of Tallahassee, is south of Interstate 10 and bordered by State Road 20 on the east and State Road 267 on the west.
The lake was created by the construction of the Talquin Dam, and used for the generation of hydroelectric power. The name Talquin is a contraction of the cities the lake lies between, Tallahassee and Quincy.
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[edit] History
In 1927 the Jackson Bluff Dam was constructed on the Ochlockonee River to produce hydroelectric power. The waters held back by the dam formed Lake Talquin.
In 1971, approximately 20,000 acres (80 km²) of uplands and 10,000 acres (40 km²) of lake bottom were donated by the Florida Power Corporation to the State of Florida to form Lake Talquin State Recreation Area. Much of the shore of the lake is part of Lake Talquin State Park, one of Florida's State Parks. The waters that now cover Lake Talquin’s floodplain are shallow except along the old channel of the river. The abundance of dead trees and stumps scattered about are reminders of the rich floodplain forest that once covered the area before the lake was formed. Most of the stumps can be found right under the water on the eastern end of the lake causing problems for boaters.
[edit] Vegetation
The area has forests of pines and hardwoods including Sweetgum and a variety of Oaks.
[edit] Topography
Rolling hills and deep ravines.
[edit] Wildlife
Eastern Gray Squirrel, Wild Turkey, Bald eagles, Ospreys, and Deer.
[edit] Recreation
Lake Talquin State Park encompasses much of the southern and southwestern shores of the lake, with many boat landings and picnic areas, including Rock Bluff Recreation Area in Leon County, which is an excellent location for private picnics, parties, family reunions, weddings and receptions. There is a picnic pavilion with a view of the lake in the background and seats approximately 100 people. To the side of the pavilion are two brick barbecue pits under a separate roof.
Visitors can enjoy nature walks, boating, and canoeing. . To reserve the picnic pavilion for a special gathering, please call at least two weeks in advance. The pavilion is reserved on a first-come-first-served basis.
[edit] Fishing
Lake Talquin has largemouth and striped bass, crappie, bream, shellcrackers, and speckled perch.
