SMLA Statement to TLAC Environmental Committee Public Hearing: Proposed Hydrilla Remediation Plan

Smith Mountain Lake Association Board of Directors Statement

TLAC Environmental Committee Public Hearing: Proposed Hydrilla Remediation Plan

The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA), the longest serving advocate for a clean and safe Smith Mountain Lake, appreciates the opportunity to provide this statement to the TLAC Environmental Committee as it considers the draft Hydrilla Mitigation Plan for 2026.

SMLA has been a part of the efforts to monitor for invasive species at SML for many years. We promote education about invasive species such as hydrilla and other submerged aquatic nuisance species.  We support native species, a healthy fishery and a sustainable ecosystem.

In collaboration with the Scruggs Volunteer Fire & Rescue Dive Team, each fall SMLA members provide support for a comprehensive weed monitoring program.  During the dive team’s annual lake training sessions, SMLA representatives work directly with the divers to provide training on invasive species identification. The divers collect data, video, still images and samples of vegetation during dives at 16 locations around the lake. These dives have been ongoing for numerous years, and the resulting data is compiled into a report provided to TLAC each year. 

For 2026, SMLA has committed funding to enhance the dive team’s work with additional volunteer-based surveys which may include drone monitoring.

SMLA appreciates the Environmental Committee’s effort to engage the joint users of Smith Mountain Lake and to solicit public input on the draft mitigation plan proposing to release sterile grass carp in the area of greatest weed infestation this spring.  SMLA looks forward to continuing to provide input as the plan is refined and ultimately presented to the TLAC Board of Directors for consideration and approval. 

SMLA remains committed to advocating for an informed, science-based approach to lake management that considers all users of this shared resource of Smith Mountain Lake.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide this statement.