oregon shallow lake eastern oregon united_states lake covers acres km2 stable water level valley chain lake named heart shaped brand pioneer wilson alexander cattle ranch established near lake land administered united_states lake surrounding wetlands support wide variety birds wildlife recreational opportunities near include hunting fishing bird watching boating geography geology located south central oregon natural lake covers acres km2 approximately miles long miles wide annual precipitation basin averages inches valley approximately miles long miles wide valley north end extends miles basin containing numerous lakes remnants single lake covered valley floor feet deep pleistocene today steep cliffs rise chain lakes known collectively warner lakes valley regions commonly referred areas transition point valley narrows miles width entire lake average depth feet maximum depth feet normal water level deepest lake north end south half comparatively shallow hart lake gets overflow receives steady flow fresh water result stable water level chain outflow high water drains north water suspended particles stirred shallow wave action water clarity good indicator lake state nutrients lake high levels indicate condition level related growth typical lake reduced light level lake cloudy waters overall lake classified high ecology addition lake fish population provides unique habitat plants animals shore west facing slope runs eastern shore lake area typical high desert dominated big desert grasses areas north south west lake meadows marsh grasses common lake shores addition willow choke cherry wild roses found near lake local wildlife includes common high desert mammals resident birds native fish species include warner trout trout small populations species found stream dwelling populations likely source extended drought killed lake populations addition native fish rainbow trout bass introduced lake non native species significant pressure native fish warner classified threatened species fish survey estimated total population adult warner resident individuals help preserve restore lake threatened fish populations developed species recovery plan species live areas mammals common shoreline marshes include striped species birds inhabit area stop lake migration species nest near lake include cranes american white double wilson northern american western clark black crowned night canada numerous varieties ducks addition white faced great white great blue american found marshes lake shores north bird observation maintained american black western swallow varieties commonly observed meadows marshes yellow orange crowned house spotted common summer months larger birds common area include great long turkey prairie red tailed hawks marsh hawks golden eagles bald eagles history native americans lakes wetlands thousands years white explorers arrived natives eastern shore dated years ago site approximately miles southeast listed national_register_of_historic_places december captain led party explorers party spent christmas day camped near honor date named christmas valley lake christmas lake early mistakenly plotted christmas valley miles northwest actual location leaving valley lakes unnamed early maps general decided build fort prevent indian raiding parties passing area wagons wetlands bridge built narrow channel known stone bridge structure listed national_register_of_historic_places named heart shaped brand pioneer wilson alexander cattle ranch ranch established near prior son law later 19th century private land near acquired physician ranch ranch encompassed acres km2 north west beginning earliest pioneer water diverted irrigation 1930s irrigation canals significantly reduced flow water years stop flow lake periods drought entire flow fresh water diverted visibly lowering water level canal structures fish migration lake habitat constructed north end lake increase water holding capacity late 1980s early 1990s warner valley experienced extended drought reducing water dangerously low level lake dried completely lake water disappeared captured number warner temporary relocation end drought fish reintroduced lake published recovery plan threatened fish species system recreation land south east privately owned acre km2 north lake addition land east shore managed united_states public lands offer numerous recreational opportunities hunting fishing bird watching boating camping activities dependent water levels warner lakes dramatically stable water level usually available fishing boating developed near dispersed camping allowed administered lands adjacent lake day use recreation site north end hart bar public sheltered picnic tables hiking trails north
Hart Lake (Oregon)