RONGE, LAC LA

lake, central Saskatchewan, Canada; it drains northeastward through the Rapid River into the Churchill River. Island-studded, it is 36 miles (58 km) long, has an area of 546 square miles (1,414 square km), and is noted for its trout, northern pike, and pickerel (walleye). It has been frequented by fur traders since Peter Pond built a trading post on its shore in 1781. Lac la Ronge Provincial Park, with an area of 377,023 acres (152,576 hectares), extends across its northern end. The resort village of La Ronge on its western shore is linked by road to Prince Albert, 140 miles (225 km) south-southwest. The French place-name is probably derived from ronger (to gnaw), in reference to the work of the beaver, which inhabits the forested islands and shores.