Got weeds?

We are fielding a lot of questions from lakefront property owners who are seeing a lot of aquatic weeds.

There are numerous types of aquatic vegetation that have been observed growing in SML. The most aggressive non-native aquatic weed is hydrilla (pictured below), followed by brittle naiad. Certain pondweeds are also invasive such as curly-leaf pondweed.

Prior to 2013, aquatic weeds were very widespread in SML, particularly in the Bull Run and Blackwater portions of the lake. Many efforts to control the weeds were undertaken by Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) and Appalachian Power (APCO) including the use of herbicides. These were not effective.

The management plan settled upon was the release of sterile grass carp that consumed the weeds in the lake. These fish were expected to live about 10 years, and consequently the weeds were expected to repopulate at some point.

TLAC, a county-run agency, makes any management decisions regarding weeds with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), county representatives, APCO and other advisors such as SMLA.

The TLAC Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan guides how and when responses to weed growth are planned each year. The management plan focuses on the use of grass carp as the most cost effective and least environmentally disruptive approach to weed control.

Photo courtesy of the Lake Anna Civic Association