2025 Annual Meeting Highlights

Volunteers, donors, and community partners drive progress at Smith Mountain Lake, as highlighted at SMLA’s Annual Meeting.

Over 60 years ago, Appalachian Power Company began developing Smith Mountain Lake (SML) as part of a renewable energy initiative. Today, the lake has become one of Virginia’s most cherished recreational and residential destinations.

But who is responsible for protecting it? The answer is: all of us.

Since 1969, Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) has led efforts to protect water quality, promote safe recreation, and empower community members to care for the lake. At the recent 2025 Annual Meeting, more than 100 local residents and stakeholders gathered at Trinity Ecumenical Parish for an engaging evening of updates, education, and connection.

Guests enjoyed refreshments and door prizes, and had the chance to speak with SMLA volunteers and local organizations dedicated to lake stewardship. When the meeting began, SMLA leadership shared key highlights from the 2025 Impact Report.

People
SMLA’s 23-member board, 200+ volunteers, and 900+ supporters worked together to contribute over 30,000 service hours and raise $177,000 for lake protection programs.

Clean Water
Water Quality Monitoring (39 years strong) tested water clarity at 84 sites and took water samples at 56 locations—results confirm excellent water health.

Stream Monitoring found 80% of 20 inflowing streams rated fully satisfactory.

Dock Watch monitored 22 docks, collected and examined 208 samples, and found no elevated detections.

Safe Recreation
SMLA’s Water Safety Council, a coalition of agencies and volunteers, enforced No Wake Zones during July 4th and conducted Virginia boating safety courses and vessel checks.

Education
Lake Days educated 9th graders from Bedford County on water health.

Creek Week gave Franklin County 6th graders hands-on learning about stream ecosystems.

Advocacy
SMLA helped secure $400,000 in state funding for water quality research and testing at SML and other inland lakes.

How You Can Help
The meeting closed with a lively Q&A session covering lake weeds, shoreline management, sedimentation and how to get involved. Whether you’re a full-time resident or occasional visitor, protecting Smith Mountain Lake starts with you.

Join the movement. Volunteer. Donate. Learn.