Ivanovo Region natural monument «Lake Vazal (reservoir in Yuzha)» characteristics

The paper deals with the ecological research of Ivanovo Region natural monument «Lake Vazal (reservoir in town Yuzha)». The reservoir is located in Yuzha of the Ivanovo Region, it was founded in 1859 by the overlapping a small river Vazovka with dam filling a formed basin with water. This reservoir was named «Lake Vazal». The reservoir was recognized as a natural monument of regional value in 1975. The author describes different parameters of the lake and presents a bathymetric schema of the bottom. The relief of the lake banks is characterized. There are sod-shallow podzolic medium-power, medium sod medium- and low-humic sandy soils on the water-ice scurf on the banks of the lake. The water analysis is made. Meadow, marshy, aquatic and hygrophytic plant communities of this protected area are described briefly. The author has registered 277 vascular plant species from 3 divisions, 4 classes, 64 families and 180 genera, among them 3 species (Sanguisorba officinalis, Lembotropis nigricans and Geranium palustre) are included to the Ivanovo Region Red Data Book. 6 species are rare for the region flora. Populations of rare plant species are briefly characterized. Examples of alien and invasion plant species are given. The lake has a great hydrological and environment-forming value and forms a specific microclimate. The square of specially protected natural area is 42 hectares; the square of secured zone is 67,3 hectares.