Kodistskaro Lake

Kodistskaro Lake (კოდისწყაროს ტბა – Kodistsqaros Tba) is a scenic freshwater lake situated in the Shida Kartli region of Georgia, within Khashuri Municipality. Located near the village of Kodistskaro (now largely uninhabited) and accessible from the village of Tskhramukha, it sits at an elevation of approximately 975 meters above sea level. This tranquil lake, fed primarily by groundwater, reaches depths of around 7-8 meters. It is nestled amidst a landscape of forested mountains and vibrant fields, which are particularly known for chamomile blooms in spring and golden hues in autumn. Kodistskaro Lake serves as a pleasant spot for local recreational activities such as fishing and picnicking. Its natural beauty is complemented by nearby cultural points of interest, including an old church, and it serves as a starting point for hikes to landmarks like Ghorinamkali Mountain.

Identification and Location:

• Name of the Lake: Kodistskaro Lake (კოდისწყაროს ტბა – Kodistsqaros Tba).
• Location:
  • Country/Region: Georgia, Shida Kartli region, Khashuri Municipality.
  • Specific Location: Near the villages of Kodistskaro and Tskhramukha.
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Tskhramukha village, town of Khashuri, Surami Fortress (in the wider region).
  • Coordinates: Approximate coordinates place it near Kodistskaro village in Khashuri Municipality (General vicinity might be around 42.0∘N,43.6∘E).
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: Primarily groundwater-fed lake within its local catchment area. Outflow contributes to local stream systems.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Small.
• Maximum Depth: Approximately $7-8$ meters.
• Average Depth: Moderate relative to maximum depth.
• Volume: Small.
• Elevation: Approximately $975$ meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Relatively short, suitable for shoreline picnics and fishing access.
• Water Source(s): Primarily groundwater; also fed by precipitation and local runoff.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Has an outlet contributing to local streams.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Situated in a natural depression within the foothills/mountainous terrain of Shida Kartli.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by mixed forests and fields/meadows, noted for wildflowers including chamomile in spring. Aquatic vegetation adapted to temperate lake conditions exists within the lake.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Supports fish populations, making it suitable for recreational fishing. Amphibians, reptiles, and aquatic invertebrates are present. The surrounding forests and fields provide habitat for regional birds and mammals.
• Trophic Level: Likely Mesotrophic (moderately nutrient-rich).
• Water Clarity: Generally clear, subject to seasonal variations.
• Water Temperature: Varies seasonally; warms in summer, freezes in winter.
• pH Levels: Near-neutral.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Sufficient to support fish populations.
• Unique Ecological Features: A groundwater-fed lake providing aquatic habitat within a mixed forest and meadow landscape in Shida Kartli.
• Conservation Status: No specific high-level conservation designation is typically mentioned. Protected under general environmental laws. Valued as a local natural asset.
• Invasive Species: Specific information unavailable.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Located near the historic village site of Kodistskaro and an old Dormition of the Virgin Church, indicating long-term human presence in the vicinity.
• Current Uses: Recreational fishing, picnicking, local recreation, nature observation. Starting point for local hikes (e.g., to Ghorinamkali Mountain).
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts from local recreational use if not managed (waste). Water quality could be affected by land use changes in the surrounding catchment. Sensitive to groundwater level changes.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Falls under local municipal environmental oversight.
• Local Communities: Serves as a recreational resource for residents of Tskhramukha and nearby areas. Contributes to the natural appeal of the Khashuri Municipality landscape.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Kodistskaro Lake is primarily fed by groundwater sources.
• The area around the lake is known for its picturesque fields of wildflowers, especially chamomile, in the spring.
• It offers accessible nature recreation (fishing, picnics, hiking nearby) relatively close to the main transport routes near Khashuri.
• An old church adds cultural interest to the lake’s natural surroundings.