Lake Ivanovskoye

Lake Ivanovskoye (Ozero Ivanovskoye) is one of the largest of the Klepiki Lakes in Klepikovsky District of Ryazan Oblast, in the heart of the Meshchera Lowland. It lies about 6 km northwest of the district centre, Spas-Klepiki, between the villages of Makarovo on the west shore and Frolovo on the east shore. The lake is surrounded by pine forest with large junipers and belongs to the protected natural area of Meshchera.

Nature

Lake Ivanovskoye is of karst origin. It measures about 4 by 2.5 km, with a water area of roughly 6.5 km². The lake has a through flow and belongs to the system of the Pra River, a tributary of the Oka. It is shallow and in places heavily overgrown with aquatic plants.

The shores vary. The northern and western banks are low and marshy, covered with forest. In the southeast, southwest and northwest the shores are sandy, and the water is easier to reach there.

The mixed forests of Meshchera surround the area, while right by the lake stands a pine forest with junipers of impressive size. The environment is clean, and the open surface of the lake makes for fine sunsets.

Birds and fish

The lake is an important nesting site for waterfowl and wading birds. A sizeable colony of herons and common cranes has been noted on its shores. In the surrounding national park, rare species from the Red Book occur: osprey, white-tailed eagle, greater spotted eagle and black stork.

The lake holds pike, perch, bream and rudd. Lake Ivanovskoye is well known among anglers, and fishing camps and holiday bases operate on its shores.

Protected status

By a decision of the Ryazan Regional Council of 30 December 1974, the lake was declared a natural monument. Later it became part of the national park in Meshchera, created in 1992 to protect the forests, bogs and lakes of the region. The name Meshchera goes back to a Finno-Ugric tribe that lived here until the 16th century.

Getting there

The lake is about 70 km from Ryazan along the road to Spas-Klepiki, close to the Spas-Klepiki to Moscow highway. A paved road leads to Frolovo and a dirt road to Makarovo; both are passable all year round. The easiest way is by car via Spas-Klepiki.

Lake Ivanovskoye in Ryazan Oblast suits a quiet stay, fishing and birdwatching.