The Roanoke Times: Funding OK’d for sedimentation study at Smith Mountain Lake
BY JASON DUNOVANT
MONETA — The Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission is taking the next step in its effort to slow the encroachment of sedimentation into Smith Mountain Lake. The board approved a feasibility study Monday to consider the best ways to manage the growing concern.
The Roanoke Times: Reports of invasive hydrilla rise at Smith Mountain Lake
BY JASON DUNOVANT
Invasive vegetation sightings continue to increase at Smith Mountain Lake despite the stocking of 200 sterile grass carp in June to control the fast-spreading problem.
Bedford Water: Bedford Community Asked to Conserve Water
CARDINAL NEWS: Virginia board approves ‘last resort’ fee increases for hunting, fishing, trapping licenses
Among the new regulations, the Virginia Board of Wildlife Resources has adopted updated safe boating requirements to align with federal regulations.
Children under the age of 13 will now be required to wear a life jacket while boating. Additionally, motorboats 26 feet or less in length that are capable of developing 115 pounds or more of static thrust must be equipped with an engine cut-off switch.
8.6.2026 – DEQ NEWS RELEASE: Drought Update
Drought Update Virginia Department of Environmental Quality sent this bulletin at 08/06/2026 02:02 PM EDT View as a webpage / Share DEQ.Virginia.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2026 CONTACT: Irina Calos (804) 659-1333 irina.calos@deq.virginia.gov DROUGHT UPDATE...
7.31.26 – DEQ NEWS RELEASE: Drought Update
CORRECTED NEWS RELEASE: Drought Update Virginia Department of Environmental Quality sent this bulletin at 07/31/2026 10:38 AM EDT DEQ.Virginia.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 31, 2026 CONTACT: Irina Calos (804) 659-1333 irina.calos@deq.virginia.gov DROUGHT UPDATE...
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.