Aquatic Vegetation Management
Current News:
Hydrilla remediation update:
- To understand the impact of the new introduction of Sterile Grass Carp, TLAC began a volunteer Aquatic Vegetation Monitoring Program. The initiative is designed to monitor and document the presence of Hydrilla as well as other non-native and/or invasive vegetation in Smith Mountain Lake. To report invasive vegetation, please visit https://forms.gle/Mr8dv9aJEBXjCY347
- On June 28th, 2026, 200 certified Sterile Grass Carp were released into Smith Mountain Lake.
- April 6, 2026: The TLAC Board of Directors considered a proposal from the Environmental Committee to introduce Sterile Grass Carp into Smith Mountain Lake in late May. The next step is to apply to the Department of Wildlife Resources for a permit.
- The TLAC Environmental Committee conducted a public hearing at 6PM on Wed., Feb. 4th, to review the proposed remediation of Hydrilla on Smith Mountain Lake. This meeting was broadcast on YouTube livestream at: https://youtube.com/live/yemAQ7FsoZA?feature=share, For more information or to voice your opinion, please contact TLAC by phone at 540-721-4400 or by email at tlac@sml.us.com.
Aquatic Vegetation Management at Smith Mountain Lake
In 2001, when non-native aquatic vegetation species was first identified in Smith Mountain Lake, TLAC staff and board members confirmed with other local agencies, state and local government offices that there was no office or program in place to address this task. TLAC recognized the importance of managing the non-native aquatic vegetation infestations promptly.
Since that first year, the counties (Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania) bordering Smith Mountain Lake, through the TLAC office, have managed an Aquatic Vegetation Program. This program focuses on education/outreach (Protect SML Campaign), early detection (surveys and monitoring efforts), rapid response through control and management (herbicide treatments and stocking of triploid grass carp). Additionally, TLAC staff thoroughly researched how aquatic vegetation species are managed at other bodies of water in VA and nearby states, as well as what other potential invasive threats should be of concern to Smith Mountain Lake.
TLAC’s program has been revised throughout the years to continually improve the program and to be certain that the funds are being used in the most effective and cost-efficient manner possible. With the introduction of triploid grass carp into Smith Mountain Lake in early 2013, a vast decrease in problematic invasive aquatic vegetation infestations was noted.
For more details of the aquatic vegetation program, please refer to the individual website pages for each topic (e.g. surveys, treatments, reporting).
Other Hydrilla Treatment Options:
Use of aquatic herbicides for targeted Hydrilla treatment requires a permit from Appalachian Power Company. Application of herbicide treatments will be contracted and conducted privately at the property owner’s expense. Aquatic herbicides may only be applied by licensed professionals. Licensed herbicide applicators are well-trained in proper application techniques to achieve the most success. Additionally, they are trained in the proper use of protective equipment to ensure their safety during application.
Several aquatic herbicides are available, and it is up to the discretion of the contractor and the property owner to select an approved chemical for their site. The three commonly known aquatic herbicides used to address Hydrilla:
- Diquat: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fact sheet
- Fluridone: EPA Fact Sheet
- ProcellaCOR: FLORPYRAUXIFEN-BENZYL GROUP 4 HERBICIDE EPA information
If a property owner chooses to contract a certified herbicide applicator to more quickly address aquatic vegetation along the shoreline of his/her property in Smith Mountain Lake, they must submit an application for a permit to Appalachian Power Company. To apply for an Aquatic Vegetation Treatment Permit for private herbicide treatments, visit the Smith Mountain Project’s website.
Historical Highlights from TLAC’s Aquatic Vegetation Program
First non-native aquatic vegetation species identified – Brittle Naiad
TLAC had the first aquatic vegetation survey of Smith Mountain Lake completed
First herbicide treatments completed – Curlyleaf pondweed
Virginia Invasive Species Council created through legislation*
TLAC’s Lake Management and Project Coordinator was appointed to the Council’s Working Group by the Secretary of Natural Resources
Protect Smith Mountain Lake, a TLAC education/outreach program, was initiated
Boater brochures, resident brochures, tackle box stickers, “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers” signs for boat ramps, and a Protect SML column in local newspapers
TLAC’s Fertilizer Education program was initiated.
The Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan was finalized.*
- TLAC established a (Hydrilla) Tuber Study Program in coordination with Ferrum College and the Smith Mountain Lake Association
- TLAC and the Smith Mountain Lake Association established a partnership for a volunteer monitoring program
- Federal and State Funding Assistance Received
Federal grant funds received – $50,000
State grant funds received – $39,505
Over 800 pre-treatment notifications were mailed to residents for the treatment of 156 acres with Hydrilla infestations and 17 acres with Curlyleaf pondweed
- Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (VPDES) requirements* became effective.
- TLAC developed and adopted a revised Smith Mountain Lake Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan which included the introduction of triploid (sterile) grass carp into the lake.
- TLAC had 6,000 triploid (sterile) grass carp stocked in Smith Mountain Lake
- TLAC updated the original brochures used in the Protect SML Campaign and began distributing the new materials through public events and the website.
TLAC’s introduction of 6,000 triploid (sterile) grass carp in 2013 continued to adequately to control the invasive aquatic vegetation in Smith Mountain Lake.
*These are Commonwealth of Virginia initiatives
Additional Information
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).
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.
Carp approved for SML
The Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission will once again stock sterile grass carp into Smith Mountain lake this year to combat the invasive aquatic plant known as hydrilla.
Carp Plans Catch Anglers’ Attention
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
NEWS RELEASE: Drought Advisory Update
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Anglers want no carp as Smith Mountain Lake fights Hydrilla
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Hydrilla Status and Potential Remediation – Public Meeting Presentation 02.04.2026
https://tricountylakes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hydrilla-Pub-Mtg-02.04.2026.pdf
Grass carp approved — again — to curb invasive plant in Smith Mountain Lake
Faced with the rapid return of hydrilla to Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission decided earlier this month to once again release sterile grass carp to feed on the invasive vegetation.
Hydrilla surges back
Hydrilla was first spotted at Smith Mountain Lake in 2007. The plant, which originated in Asia, has spread to bodies of water throughout the U.S. over the past few decades.