Cottonwood Lake (Clark County, South Dakota)

Cottonwood Lake is a small, freshwater lake located in Clark County, South Dakota, United States. It is a natural lake, formed by glacial activity during the last ice age. The lake is primarily used for recreational purposes, including fishing, boating, and swimming, although its size and accessibility limit the scale of these activities.

The lake’s ecosystem supports a variety of fish species, including panfish and other common freshwater fish found in the region. The surrounding area is primarily agricultural, with some areas of native grassland and riparian vegetation along the shoreline. Water quality in Cottonwood Lake is affected by agricultural runoff, which can lead to increased nutrient levels and potential algal blooms.

Public access to Cottonwood Lake is generally limited to designated access points. Management of the lake and its surrounding resources is typically overseen by state and local government agencies. The lake's size and environmental characteristics make it susceptible to changes in water levels and water quality based on seasonal precipitation and agricultural practices in the watershed. Its recreational value is highly dependent on maintaining acceptable water quality and suitable fish populations.