(MD) Loch Raven Sunshirt

Loch Raven Lake is a reservoir located in Baltimore County, Maryland, USA. The lake was created in 1881 by damming the Loch Raven stream and was designed to supply drinking water to the city of Baltimore. The reservoir covers an area of 2.4 square miles and has a capacity of approximately 23 billion gallons of water.

The area around Loch Raven Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, and white-tailed deer. Fishing is also a popular activity in the lake, with anglers targeting species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and black crappie.

The history of Loch Raven Lake dates back to the 19th century when the city of Baltimore was experiencing rapid population growth and needed a reliable source of drinking water. The lake was created as part of the Loch Raven Reservoir System, which also includes Prettyboy and Liberty Reservoirs.

In addition to serving as a source of drinking water, Loch Raven Lake has also played a role in the development of recreational activities in the area. The lake and its surrounding parks offer opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, and picnicking, among other activities.

One interesting fact about Loch Raven Lake is that it was used as a testing site for the development of underwater mines during World War II. The lake was also the site of a notorious crime in 1969 when a man named Edgar Allan Poe IV, the great-great-grandson of the famous writer, hijacked a plane and demanded a ransom of $300,000, which he then threw into the lake.

Overall, Loch Raven Lake is an important landmark in the history and ecology of Baltimore County, serving both as a source of drinking water and a popular destination for outdoor recreation.