Neil Holthouser was our annual meeting guest speaker and he did a great job of informing our attendees about the workings of the Smith Mountain Project. SMLP is a federally licensed hydroelectric facility consisting of two dams and two lakes. APCO is responsible for managing various operational and environmental aspects of the project as assigned by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). They include Shoreline Management, Lake Levels, Water Quality Management, Sediment Monitoring, Aids to Navigation, Aquatic Vegetation, Cultural Resources, Habitat Management, Endangered Species, Recreation Management, and Debris Management.

Neil pointed out that the SMLP is a pumped storage hydroelectric project consisting of two dams and two lakes. As a result, APCO can generate 636 megawatts of electricity or approximately 10 times that of a conventional hydroelectric facility.

SMLA Annual Awards – Stewards of the Lake

Spirit of the Lake Award
2023 Winner: Travis Burke

This year’s winner is Travis Burke of the Ice Cream Boat for his contribution to the SML community. His jingle, smile and ice cream treats have been providing summer-time enjoyment for toddlers to grandparents on SML for over fifteen years.

Melvin S. Johnston Citizen Volunteer Award
2023 Winner: John Rupnik

his year’s winner is John Rupnik for his numerous contributions to the SMLA Board of Directors that spanned a ten-year period from 2014-2023. John served as Treasurer from 2014-2019 and President from 2020-2021. He most recently served on the Executive Board and currently Chairs the the Buffer Landscape Committee.

Karl Martin Water Safety Award
2023 Winner: Patrick Massa

This year’s winner is Patrick Massa for his numerous contributions to the SML Water Safety Council (WSC). Pat served as WSC Chair for ten years from 2012-2022. Under his leadership, WSC focus expanded from boating safety to include dock and shoreline safety too. Pat also oversaw the implementation of the July 4th Fireworks “No Wake Zone” and authored dozens of news articles about the risks associated with lake recreation

Clean Stream Award
2023 Winner: David Hurt

This year’s winner is David Hurt of Truman Hill Farm in Franklin County. David raises cattle and sells grass-fed beef. He has been the host landowner of our Gills Creek monitoring site since the inception of the Save of Streams program. Over the past fifteen years, David has installed fencing to keep cattle out of the stream and established a buffer zone along the stream to prevent erosion and ensure that manure and nutrients do not seep into the waterway. His pasture management focuses on rotational grazing to maintain fertility without commercial fertilizer applications, and he manages weeds without spraying pastures with herbicides.

  • 400 Scruggs Rd Suite 2100, Moneta, VA 24121

    (On the backside/lower level from Old Oak Cafe)

    Office hours:
    Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
    from 9AM to 4PM

Smith Mountain Lake Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). We are a volunteer-led organization that relies on memberships, donations and grants to support programs to keep SML clean and safe.

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