Sennaya Kurya, Natural monument lake in Tomsk Oblast, Russia
Sennaya Kurya is a protected lake in Tomsk Oblast that supports a variety of plant and animal species. The water body is surrounded by reed-covered banks and wetland habitats.
The lake was designated as a natural monument to protect its ecological value in the Siberian region. This protected status has safeguarded it from major changes caused by human activity.
The name comes from the Russian for "hay" and "creek", referring to the meadow grass once cut along its banks. Since 2003 the shore has hosted annual international sand hockey tournaments for men's and women's teams, alongside beach volleyball competitions. In summer a bus route is extended to the lake, and vendors sell shashlik and grilled chicken on the bank.
The area is most accessible during warmer months when the ground is easier to traverse. Visitors should prepare for wet conditions and insects that are common in wetland areas.
In July 2007 the Tomsk administration announced a competition to design a 2.2 km rowing course on the lake, 3 m deep with six to eight 12.5 m lanes; no bids arrived and the tender failed. The lake also holds carp, pike and rotan, and anglers occasionally land exotic fish unusual for Siberian waters.
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