Governor Spanberger, Roanoke Region Leaders Urge Increased, Commonsense Water Conservation Efforts in Face of Worsening Drought
In response to the historic ongoing drought caused by below average rainfall throughout the Commonwealth for nearly one year, Governor Spanberger and Roanoke Region leaders today urged Virginians to increase commonsense water conservation efforts.
Public Comment Period Opens July 7 for Proposed Fee Increases and Regulatory Changes
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) 2026 regulatory cycle public comment period is now open. This 30-day public comment period will close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2026.
A New Generation of Sterile Grass Carp Target Invasive Vegetation at Smith Mountain Lake
The Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) announced that today two hundred (200) certified triploid, sterile grass carp were released into Smith Mountain Lake (SML).
6.11.26 – DEQ NEWS RELEASE: Drought Update
11 June 2026 – The Virginia Dept of Environmental Quality has released an update on the Drought Advisory in Virginia.
Smith Mountain Eagle: More than 24 tons of debris collected during Smith Mountain Lake Cleanup Days
More than 24 tons of debris were collected from in and around Smith Mountain Lake during lake cleanup days in May. The organized kick-off event took place on May 2, and efforts continued throughout the month by various community groups.
The Roanoke Times: DWR approves much fewer carp to eat invasive hydrilla in Smith Mountain Lake
BY JASON DUNOVANT
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has once again OK’d stocking sterile grass carp into Smith Mountain Lake to control the spread of invasive aquatic vegetation — but this time at a much smaller amount.
The Bright Side: Smith Mountain Lake group has success in curbing destructive wakes
In The Roanoke Times: The Bright Side article, “Smith Mountain Lake group has success in curbing destructive wakes,” author Jason Dunovant highlights the success of the Wake Education Task Force since its founding in 2022, following numerous concerns about property damage and large wakes caused by reckless behavior during towed water sports.
SMITH MOUNTAIN EAGLE: Large turnout of volunteers contribute to making lake cleaner and safer during annual Take Pride in SML Cleanup Day
BY STEVE MCCLINTIC, JR.
Managing Editor
The annual Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Cleanup Day was held on May 2 at several marinas and stops around the lake with many volunteers enduring the early morning cool temps and bouts of rain to help make the lake a cleaner and safer place.