User:Garrettduncan2/Stillhouse Hollow Lake

Location
This lake is located in the Brazos River Basin in Bell County. Stillhouse Hollow Lake is located in the Cross Timbers ecoregion. Stillhouse Hollow is about five miles southwest of Belton, TX (population 23,485) and is approximately 10 miles west of Temple, TX (population 85,416).

Hydrology
Stillhouse Hollow Lake was created from an impoundment of the Lampasas River. The total surface area of the lake is roughly 6429 acres. The deepest part of the lake of 107 feet at the mean sea level (msl) of 622ft. At normal conservation pool Stillhouse Hollow has 58 miles of shoreline. The water volume (at normal level) is 235,700 acre-feet and the maximum capacity (spillway crest) is 630, acre-feet. The water flowing into Stillhouse Hollow comes from the Lampasas River and the water coming out runs into the Lampasas River.

Physiochemical Characteristics
Stillhouse Hollow is a very deep and clear lake. Most of the shoreline is steep, rocky terrain with small amounts of standing timber.

Ecoregion
Stillhouse Hollow is located right on the line between the Cross Timbers and Blackland Prairie ecoregions. The Cross Timbers region is roughly 26,000 square miles forming a vertical line from Central to North Texas. The Cross Timbers region was given this name because travelers would, rather frequently, cross patches of trees that would inhibit their travels. The vegetation in this region is mainly composed of large oaks and walnuts. The Blackland Prairie region is due east of the Cross Timbers region and extends slightly further south than the Cross Timbers region. This region is roughly 19,000 square miles of very fertile, dark, clay soil. The vegetation in this region is mostly comprised of prairie grasses such as little bluestem, indiangrass, and big bluestem but there are some tree species including a variety of oaks and elms. Average rainfall for Belton, TX is 37 inches of rain with the normal high temperature of the year falling in July at 96 degrees Farenheit and the normal low temperature falling in January at 36 degrees.

Terrestrial Ecosystem Type
The area around Stillhouse Hollow Lake is predominantly by stands of trees (largely oaks) and areas of prairie.

Flora
This lake is known to have the invasive plant hydrilla. Other plant species found in Stillhouse Hollow include pondweed, buttonbush, and giant reed.

Fauna
The most common fish species found in this lake at largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, crappie, and white bass. This lake is listed as "Good" fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, "Fair" for catfish and sunfish species, and "Poor" for crappie and white bass. This lake is also known to have invasive zebra mussels.

Invasive Species
Zebra mussels are known to have invaded this lake. Hydrilla has also been found in this lake and is becoming a very large nuisance.

Uses
Stillhouse Hollow Lake serves as a flood control lake, protecting the cities and towns downstream. This lake also offers habitat for wildlife and fish while serving as a general recreation stop for residents and visitors. Stillhouse Hollow is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Most of the land around the lake (that is not privately owned) is used for habitat and shoreline management purposes and is not being developed.

Recreation
Stillhouse Hollow Lake has two parks that are regulated by the Corps of Engineers. Dana Peak Park and Union Grove Park are both located on the lake and have access to boat ramps and camping sites. Bank fishing is allowed all around the lake (except for swim beaches and other restricted areas). There are four trails on Stillhouse Hollow: Dana Peak (bike trail), Dana Peak (horse trail), Dana Peak (hiking trail), and Chalk Ridge Falls (hiking trail). This lake has access to six boat ramps to enjoy watersports or fishing. There are public hunting opportunities available at this lake.

History
Construction of Stillhouse Hollow Lake was started June 11, 1962 and the project was finally finished in July of 1968 with a total cost of $24,507,000. The highest water level the lake has ever reached was 667.97 msl (45.97ft high) on March 4, 1992 and the lowest water level the lake has ever reached was 610.31 msl (11.69ft low) on December 5, 1988. This lake was formerly known as Lampasas Lake and was changed to Stillhouse Hollow Lake by PL 86-307. Including the spillway and dike, the dam measures 15,624 feet long and is constructed of rolled earthfill. The spillway crest is set at 666msl.