The Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) has received approval from the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to introduce 200 Sterile Grass Carp (SGC) into Smith Mountain Lake (SML) near Bull Run and Little Bull Run in early June. This is a first step to address problems with Hydrilla overgrowth that were encountered last year. The SGC prefer a diet of Hydrilla, and they will seek that over other aquatic vegetation. They will consume other aquatic vegetation in the absence of Hydrilla. For this reason, DWR has approved only 200 SGC as a first step to manage Hydrilla in SML.
Some weed reports have already been received at the TLAC office this year. In addition to the weeds reported last summer and fall, the low water levels in SML may reveal weed beds in places where you have not seen them before. TLAC will continue to take a responsive approach to aquatic vegetation management, and it will continue to be a long-term project. It is important to identify new, expanded, and diminished aquatic vegetation growth to understand the impact of the Sterile Grass Carp. This approach will include collaboration with volunteer, government, and lake-related organizations to customize our approach to address the specific issues that develop.
An important component of the aquatic vegetation management program will be a Weed Monitoring subcommittee to observe, document, and report weed beds in SML. This subcommittee will support the Environmental Committee by providing reports that will serve as the foundation of ongoing program for aquatic vegetation management. If you are interested in volunteering to serve in this capacity, please contact me and I will include you in the development of the program.
Property owners also have the option to apply for a permit from the Appalachian Power Company (APCO) to contract licensed aquatic herbicide applicators to provide targeted remediation. You can find the application here. We will also have this application available here at the office.
Thank you for your patience with this process, and feel free to contact the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission with lake-related concerns.