Cravath Lake

Cravath Lake is a freshwater lake located near the center of Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Cravath Lake
Location of Cravath Lake in Wisconsin, USA.
Location of Cravath Lake in Wisconsin, USA.
Cravath Lake
Location of Cravath Lake in Wisconsin, USA.
Location of Cravath Lake in Wisconsin, USA.
Cravath Lake
LocationWalworth County, Wisconsin
Coordinates42°49′37″N 88°43′53″W
Primary inflowsSpring Brook
Primary outflowsWhitewater Creek
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface area70 acres (0.11 sq mi; 0.28 km2)
Max. depth10 ft (3.0 m)
SettlementsWhitewater

History

Cravath Lake was created in the mid-1850s at the intersection point of Whitewater Creek and Spring Brook to power a gristmill that was built upon the creek. It is named after Prosper Cravath, one of Whitewater's first settlers. Over time the lake's use for industry gave way to recreation, and it currently hosts Cravath Lakefront Park and Community Center on its northern shore near Whitewater's Main Street and downtown businesses.[1]

Cravath Lake visible in the background of Cravath Lakefront Park

From 2019 through 2022, the city of Whitewater conducted a drawdown project on both Cravath Lake and its connected Trippe Lake to "freeze out invasive species, restore navigation channels, and improve overall health within the lakes".[2] The draining of the lakes began in July 2019, followed by dredging in the winter of 2022, and a controlled burn to clear vegetation. The lakes were refilled in the spring of 2022, and underwent a fish restocking process in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Ecology

Cravath Lake hosts panfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike. It contains the invasive species curly-leaf pondweed and eurasian water-milfoil.[3]

References
  1. Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (April 2011). A LAKE PROTECTION PLAN FOR CRAVATH AND TRIPPE LAKES (PDF) (Report).
  2. "Lakes Drawdown Updates". City of Whitewater. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  3. "Cravath Lake: Facts & Figures". Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
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