Madine Lake is the largest in Lorraine, covering a surface of 2,718 acres (1,100 ha). It was created in the 1970s to serve as a drinking water reserve supplying the city of Metz and its surroundings. It constitutes a special protection zone supervised by Natura 2000 since 2003. The lake has also been classified as an Important Zone for the Conservation of Birds (ZICO) since 2008. Its waters are home to more than 150 avian species throughout the year, including black-headed gulls, crested lapwings, black terns, ospreys, kites, harriers, or hawks.