Matyra Reservoir, reservoir in Russia
Matyra Reservoir is a large artificial lake in Lipetsk Oblast created by damming the Matyra River. It covers about 45 square kilometers and holds around 144 million cubic meters of water, surrounded by forests and shorelines with sandy beaches and rest areas.
The reservoir was built in the 1950s to supply water for the large NLMK steel plant being constructed in the region. The project required relocating farms and small villages, and by 1977 the basin was completely filled.
The reservoir takes its name from the Matyra River that flows through the region. Today, the water and surrounding forests form an important part of local life, where people gather to fish, relax, and spend time outdoors.
The reservoir is accessible year-round, offering sandy beaches and swimming in summer, and frozen surfaces for skating and skiing in winter. Visitors should follow local safety guidelines, especially during cold months when ice may be unstable.
The Khomut protected nature area in the upper parts of the reservoir near the villages of Kazinka and Yarlykovo is home to over 300 plant species, including rare and endangered species on the red list. The area serves as a refuge for deer, moose, hares, and numerous bird species including ducks and herons.
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