Anacoco Lake, also known as Anacoco Reservoir, is a man-made lake in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, west of Leesville, Louisiana. The lake was created in 1951, the result of impounding Anacoco Creek, Caney Creek, Prairie Creek, and Sandy Creek, for the purpose of water supply and recreation.
History The Louisiana Legislature passed La. Act 277 of 1948 creating the Anacoco-Prairie State Game and Fish Preserve, setting aside of land, money for the purchase of wild game and fish, and for restocking purposes, as well as for the building and maintenance of a dam. A second dam was authorized but no money provided. Construction was completed in 1951.All Things Sabine- Retrieved 2017-11-15
Ownership and maintenance The State of Louisiana owns the land under the lake and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) manages the fish and wildlife resources. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has authority and maintenance over the levees, dam, and associated structures.
Lake Authority
Act 858 of the 1981 Legislature abolished the Anacoco Prairie Game and Fish Commission and transferred authority to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The law provided for a panel of citizens to be appointed to an advisory board. The Vernon Parish Police Jury established the Vernon Parish Game and Fish Commission composed of nine members that includes two members of the jury.WLF: Anacoco Lake (pp. 6)- Retrieved 2017-11-15
Construction Anacoco Lake is impounded by an earthen dam with stone riprap approximately in length. The dam has a crown and the lake is above mean sea level (MSL). The maximum height of the embankment is . The dam has a sluice gate that the LDWF has listed in bad shape.LA. Law Review: Anacoco Lake (pp 65-66)- Retrieved 2017-11-15
The original dam failed on January 21, 1956, and two hurricanes in 1957 hindered replacement until 1958Geological Survey Water-supply Paper, Issues 1441-1442 (pp. 42)- Retrieved 2017-11-17
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