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.
Officials developing plan to address invasive hydrilla
Next steps include obtaining the final water survey results and determining how much aquatic acreage is affected. “TLAC’s Environmental Committee is going to meet with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources,” Sage added. “We will consult about what’s the best treatment, and if that is carp, we will take their advice on how many carp are needed per acre and where they are needed to be released in the lake.”
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.
Harmful Blue-green Algal Blooms (HABs) in VA: Updates to the Public Advisory Process
Algae blooms are not unusual during warmer months. For background, risk, testing and advisory information, please read the attached update from the Virginia Department of Health. Find more details here
Changes to Smith Mountain Lake Aids to Navigation
While out on Smith Mountain Lake, you may notice some changes to the channel markers also known as Aids to Navigation (ATN). These improvements to navigational aids on the main channels of Smith Mountain Lake (SML) were determined through extensive discussions...
Boating incidents decline at SML for 2024, while rising sharply statewide
Boating incidents decline at SML for 2024, while rising sharply statewide JASON DUNOVANT The Roanoke Times Boaters on Smith Mountain Lake had one of their safest years in a decade, according to new data released by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources....
No bans on wakesurfing at Smith Mountain Lake
No bans on wakesurfing at Smith Mountain Lake
Building inspectors discussing code changes after teen’s death at Smith Mountain Lake
WESTLAKE — Building inspectors from the three localities surrounding Smith Mountain Lake are working together to create a uniform code for dock inspections moving forward after a teen’s death in July. Jesse Hamric, a 2024 graduate of Steamboat Springs High School in...