Project of the Moment

Lake Tecumseh

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Lake Tecumseh is a shallow 261 acre lake located next to the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Water levels in the lake fluctuate due to wind-driven tides and a canal connecting the lake to Back Bay estuary. Recent studies identified Lake Tecumseh as a leading source of suspended sediment to Back Bay, a nationally significant estuary. Wind-associated wave action within the shallow lake suspends unstabilized bottom sediments and erodes shorelines. These fine sediments then drain from the lake into Asheville Bridge Canal and Back Bay Estuary. Suspended sediments negatively affect submerged aquatic vegetation, foul fish gills, and degrade waterfowl habitat. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed the installation of low weirs between Lake Tecumseh and Asheville Bridge Canal to reduce the release of suspended sediment from the lake and improve aquatic habitat. A boat portage system will be designed across a berm to provide access to both the lake and canal.