Aquatic Vegetation Survey Program

Current

Throughout the season, TLAC staff receives and addresses reports from residents. There being no aquatic vegetation growth of concern in Smith Mountain Lake, Appalachian Power Company’s (APCO) next Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license-required survey for invasive aquatic vegetation species will be conducted in 2024. In addition to TLAC’s management program, the Smith Mountain Lake Association’s (SMLA) volunteer divers annually review areas of high density invasive aquatic vegetation from previous years.

Historical

Highlights:

Initial identifications of invasive aquatic vegetation identified in Smith Mountain Lake by species:

To Date – Throughout the season, TLAC staff will handle any reports from residents, and will conduct staff reviews, as necessary. APCO will have a license-required survey conducted at all locations previously identified with invasive aquatic vegetation species. In addition to TLAC’s program, the SMLA’s divers will also review areas of high density invasive aquatic vegetation from previous years.

2013 – TLAC introduces 6,000 triploid (sterile) grass carp into Smith Mountain Lake to control invasive aquatic vegetation.

2010 – APCO’s new License includes a requirement that they conduct annual surveys of all locations of previously identified invasive aquatic vegetation species in addition to a full lake survey every five years.

2008 – Established cooperative program with the SMLA for aquatic vegetation monitoring (See Vegetation Reporting page for more information).

2008 – Hydrilla

2007 – Brazilian elodea

2002 – Curlyleaf pondweed

By Year: 

2013-2023 – Throughout the season, TLAC relied upon reports from residents, the SMLA, and TLAC staff reviews. Almost no invasive aquatic vegetation species were found. APCO had a license-required survey conducted at all locations previously identified with invasive aquatic vegetation species. That report indicated that little invasive aquatic vegetation was found in Smith Mountain Lake.

2012 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct a full lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation species, Curlyleaf pondweed, Brazilian elodea and Hydrilla, were identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Nine species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the lake. APCO conducted a license-required survey of all areas previously identified with invasive aquatic species (waypoints from TLAC’s surveys were provided to them).

2011 – APCO conducted a license-required full lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation species, Curlyleaf pondweed and Hydrilla, were identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Eight species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the lake.

2010 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct a fall partial lake survey. APCO conducted a license-required survey of all areas previously identified with invasive aquatic species (waypoints from TLAC’s surveys were provided to them). The invasive aquatic vegetation species, Curlyleaf pondweed and Hydrilla, were identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Seven species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the lake.

2009 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct a full lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation species, Curlyleaf pondweed, Brazilian elodea and Hydrilla, were identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Five species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the surveyed area of the lake.

2008 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct a full lake survey. This was our first year to utilize a 300’ point-intercept methodology (Madsen) which will be used for our surveys (and Appalachian’s) for many years to come. The invasive aquatic vegetation, Curlyleaf pondweed, was identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Eight species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the surveyed area of the lake.

2007 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct a fall partial lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation, Curlyleaf pondweed, was identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Three species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the surveyed area of the lake.

2006 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct a fall partial lake survey along 32 miles of shoreline. APCO conducted a required pre-license full lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation, Curlyleaf pondweed, was identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Five species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the lake.

2005 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct both a spring and a fall partial lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation species, Curlyleaf pondweed and Brazilian elodea were identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Six species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the surveyed area of the lake.

2004 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct both a spring and a fall partial lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation species, Curlyleaf pondweed and Brazilian elodea were identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Six species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the lake.

2003 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct a fall partial lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation species, Curlyleaf pondweed and Brazilian elodea were identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Six species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the lake.

2002 – TLAC hired a contractor to conduct a full lake survey. The invasive aquatic vegetation species, Curlyleaf pondweed, was identified in the lake. The non-native, nuisance aquatic vegetation, Brittle naiad was identified in the lake. Seven species of native aquatic vegetation were also identified in the lake.