Fern Ridge Reservoir

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Fern Ridge Reservoir
Location	Lane County, Oregon
Lake type	Reservoir
Primary inflows	Long Tom River
Primary outflows	Long Tom River
Basin countries	United States
Max. length	4.5 mi (7.2 km)
Surface area	9,000 acres (3,600 ha)
Surface elevation	353-370ft

Fern Ridge Reservoir is a reservoir on the Long Tom River in the U.S. state of Oregon. The reservoir is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Eugene on Oregon Route 126. Fern Ridge Reservoir is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project encompassing more than 12,000 acres (49 km²). The area includes extensive wetlands and provides unique habitat for a variety of wildlife and wintering waterfowl populations. The reservoir is a popular site for boating, fishing and birdwatching.^[1]

Fern Ridge Reservoir is often referred to as Fern Ridge Lake.

Contents 1 Fern Ridge Dam 2 Recreation 3 See also 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Fern Ridge Dam

The Fern Ridge Dam was completed in 1941 and provides needed flood control for the reservoir. The Fern Ridge Dam is 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.

Throughout the summer, the water level is lowered up to 3 feet 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.^[2] 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.

[edit] Recreation

Fern Ridge is home to multiple parks and yacht clubs, both private and county-managed.^[3] 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.

[edit] See also

• List of lakes in Oregon

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers page on Fern Ridge Reservoir dam renovation
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife guide to Fern Ridge Wildlife Area
• Oregon's Important Bird Areas - Fern Ridge Reservoir
• Fern Ridge Lake
• Eugene Yacht Club