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Natahala Lake Essay

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Nantahala Lake is dam-created lake or reservoir located at 3,000 feet above sea level in western North Carolina. Accessible via Wayah Road, the lake is a 45 minute drive from Franklin, NC or about an hour from Bryson City via NC Hwy 74 and Wayah Road. In 1929, Nantahala Power and Light Company was organized as part of the nation's rural electrification program. The abundance of water along with the terrain of the region made it ideal for hydroelectric power generation. The Nantahala Dam was built in in 1942 by Nantahala Power and Light to produce the hydroelectric power which was critical to the success of defense projects for WWII. http://www.visitnantahalanc.com/history.html In 1929, Nantahala Power and Light Company was organized as part of the nation's rural electrification program; the abundance of water in the region was ideal for hydroelectric power generation. Nantahala Power and Light Company was organized as part of the nation's rural electrification program; the abundance of water in the region was ideal for hydroelectric power generation. Nantahala Dam was finished in 1942 creating the lake (reservoir) that was critical to the success of defense projects for World War II. The large amount of power that the dam produced was needed in …show more content…

The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power and is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. (7) Nantahala is located at 3,000 feet in the Nantahala National Forest. The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war efforts. With 42 miles (68 km) of shoreline, the lake offers recreational opportunities at Nantahala that include swimming, boating, skiing, and many other activities. Fishing is another popular activity at the lake. Fisherman target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, salmon, catfish, and many different species of panfish (please see photo of Lake Nantahala below).

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