Membership in SMLA is your best and easiest opportunity to ensure that the Lake that you have known and loved will continue to be environmentally preserved, safe in all recreational activities, and a place where you kids and grandkids will seek to enjoy. Join us and participate in one of our many Lake- protecting activities. It is your best and cheapest “insurance” you can buy to maintain your property value by preserving our treasure – The Jewel of the Blue Ridge.
What Does the SMLA Do For Smith Mountain Lake?
SMLA’s focus is environmental and boater safety. Through our focused activities SMLA strives to retain the pristine beauty of our lake encouraging resident’s and renters’ piece of mind. This translates to a vibrate local economy in support of our business partners. Below are current activities and reports that demonstrate SMLA’s level of commitment to our Lake. Other interesting and exciting accomplishments and activities can be viewed by browsing the website tabs at the top of every page.
Report It
Reporting Floating Trees and Logs
TLAC encourages residents to call them at 540-721-4400. As a service to the community, their staff will then forward a report on your behalf. However, if it is outside business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 – 4:30) and the debris poses an immediate navigation hazard, residents should call AEP directly at 800-956-4237.
Report a Boating Accident/Incident
Should you be involved in a boating accident, you must complete and submit a Boating Incident Report form to the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission.
Report a Wake Incident
TLAC is collecting information regarding damage and incidents caused by high wakes. If possible take photos and report the incident via this online form.
84
Monitoring Sites for Key Parameters to Determine Lake Aging
42.07
Tons of Debris Removed During 2019 Lake Cleanup Days
5,000
Gallons of Marine Head Effluent Disposed of Annually
6,000
Sterile Carp Introduced Have Eliminated Invasive Weeds
Smith Mountain Lake has been listed by Boat U.S. magazine in their 2018 April/May edition as one of the top eight lakes in the country, and the 2018 June/July edition of Garden and Gun Magazine rated SML as one of the top 10 “Summer Lake Escapes”.
In 2019 Smith Mountain Lake has been ranked 15th on the best bass fishing lake list in the Northeast region.
Recently, SMLA hosted a dinner for its volunteers who supported all of their programs. Of special interest was the annual SML Water Quality program outbriefing presented by Ferrum College professors. We thank ALL of you who help our Association sustain SML’s admirable water quality and safe recreation!
Boating Courtesy Discussed at SMLA Annual MeetingBy Sherese Gore – Smith Mountain EagleA phrase the Smith Mountain Lake Association uses is “watch your wake, share the lake,” said SMLA member Randy Stow last week.Boating courtesy was a topic discussed at the 2019 Smith Mountain Lake Association Annual Meeting on Thursday. The gathering, held at Trinity Ecumenical Parish, was open to the community.“Boating courtesy is recognizing how our behavior impacts others and then operating in a way to minimize adverse conditions,” Stow said.Stow noted the Water Sports Industry Association advocates for a buffer of at least 200 feet from docks and shorelines; other stances urge boaters to be mindful of the volume of their music and avoid operating in the same area.Stow said that SMLA is trying to reinforce the same message through education, billboards and banners, such as those posted at certain marinas around the lake that urge boaters to “wake responsibly.”……..
By Bob Hastings
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take an out-of-town family member for a boat ride up the Blackwater. It was an outstanding August afternoon to enjoy the sunshine, fellowship of family and the beautiful waters of Smith Mountain Lake. My sister-in-law, who is a realtor in Raleigh was quick to tell me how impressed she was with the beautiful homes lining the Blackwater river. I agreed until, as a dedicated member of the Smith Mountain Lake Association, I noticed how many homeowners are growing grass down to their rip rap. I thought to myself, “beautiful houses but, boy oh boy do these homeowners need a buffer garden between their rip rap and grass.”
By Charles Fort
Common courtesy is key to wakesurfers getting along with traditional boaters. (Photo: Jason Lee/Nautique)
Electric Shock Drowning Explained
One year ago, over Fourth of July weekend, Alexandra Anderson, 13, and her brother Brayden Anderson, 8, were swimming near a private dock in the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri when they started to scream. Their parents went to their aid, but by the time the siblings were pulled from the lake, they were unresponsive.
SMLA Newsletter “Lake Matters: Fall 2019” Published
Read our newest newsletter: Articles on Water Safety, Water Quality Monitoring, Save Our Streams and regional lake shutdowns due to Blue-Green Algae.
Nursery Fish Habitat Application and Information
Interested in installing your own milk crate nursery fish habitat structures around your dock? Find the Information sheet and Application Form here; both from VADGIF.
While long-term trends are consistent, increased amounts of chlorophyll-a have contributed to increased sightings of algae blooms.
SMLA T-Shirts Now Available On-line!
Show your support for SMLA! Colorful, high quality SMLA T-Shirts are now available on our website Shop page. Find great T-Shirts for all of the family in 4 different exciting colors from Small to 3XL sizes.
In Memorium
Our dear friend and colleague, Larry Iceman passed away on April 30th. Larry retired to Smith Mountain Lake where he devoted himself to the community. He was president of the SML Lions from 2009-2010 while at the same time serving as president of the Smith Mountain Lake Association and later, on the SML Board of Directors. Larry Chaired the Water Quality Monitoring Program as well as the Lake Council. He recently retired from the Board in December 2018. He was truly a “Custodian of the Lake,” and we will miss him.