The lake of Dravograd came to existence, when the hydroelectric power plant was built between Dravograd and Črneče back in 1943. The river lost its important transportation role and above the dam the slowed down flow began creating a lake with a marsh, shallow areas, islands and reeds which all came together as a rich living environment for animals and plants some of which can be listed under endangered species. A biotic area was created and it now offers shelter to many animals and home to some very rare marsh plants in the Koroška area. This bay can be classified under one of the most important wetland areas in Slovenia. In the typical growth of the reed, water iris and other marsh vegetation we can find amphibians and insects and the river bank plants create excellent conditions for fish in the shallow areas of the lake at the bottom of which we can even find certain types of river clams. There are several interesting bird species living in this wetland, more than 150 different types have been documented nesting in the marsh or stopping by in the periods of migrations south. The area is an international ornithological location.
