About SMLA
SMLA Works to Keep Smith Mountain Lake Clean And Safe
Since 1969, SMLA has been the steward of Smith Mountain Lake with a mission to protect the water of Smith Mountain Lake and promote safe recreation.
SMLA Leadership
SMLA is led by an all-volunteer board of directors. Many board members have experience performing or managing environmental programs. They all have their roots in leading industries, government organizations, and non-profits.
The board has up to 23 members and operates under bylaws that are updated as necessary to accommodate changing conditions.
SMLA Councils
Lake Quality Council
The SMLA Lake Quality Council administers the technical work each committee does to keep SML clean. Water Quality Monitoring, Dock Watch, Save our Streams, Buffer Landscaping, Invasive Species, Septic Education, and Fish Habitat are the programs that work independently throughout the year on various initiatives.
The LQC meets once a month to bring all of this expertise and activity together to collaborate and coordinate. Anyone can join the LQC as an interested SMLA member.
The LQC usually meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 10AM in the SMLA office.
Water Safety Council
The SMLA Water Safety Council (WSC) leads SMLA’s efforts to keep everyone who lives, works and plays in and around SML safe. The council focuses on education and services for lake boaters and swimmers. Council members are water safety professionals and local residents who recommend and implement safe operating practices.
Anyone can join the WSC as an interested SMLA member.
The WSC usually meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 8:30AM in the SMLA office.
Committees
SMLA forms (and disbands) committees to manage the core programs and initiatives of the organization. as requirements and available funding dictate. We work to stay ahead of vulnerabilities and anticipated issues to ensure SML remains clean and safe.
Key Accomplishments
- In the early 1970s, SML was exposed to a constant inflow of untreated sewage. SMLA worked with the City of Roanoke and Roanoke Up River Commission to coordinate a plan that included updating the Roanoke sewage treatment facility.
- Promoted the development and sales of Phosphorus-free fertilizers that are now available in most garden shops.
- Lobbied Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties to create what is now named the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (TLAC).
- In partnership with TLAC, operated a program that introduced grass carp to the lake to eradicate invasive hydrilla.
- Identified threats posed by the Mountain Valley Pipeline from a science and data framework and offered mitigation solutions.
- Involvement in the scope of AEP project relicensing and study of how project operations impact the scenic, recreational and environmental aspects of the SML Power Project.
SMLA History
Smith Mountain Lake Association was established in 1969 as a business council created to establish a link between the lake’s recreational opportunities and the business community. By 1970, SMLA’s focus shifted to environmental protection and community life issues and ensuring the lake remained an attractive place to live, work and visit.
SMLA is the largest and oldest volunteer organization on the lake. More than 1,100 members and volunteers provide resources and time to ensure Smith Mountain Lake not only survives the pressures of growth, but maintains environmental quality.
For the past 34 years SMLA has monitored key factors that determine the health of the lake. In partnership with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Appalachian Power Company, Western Virginia Water Authority, Bedford Regional Water Authority, and Ferrum College, SMLA and its volunteers, SMLA executes one of the most successful water monitoring programs in the nation.
SMLA programs have provided the data that allows SMLA and the Tri County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC), which represents Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania Counties, to make informed, science-based decisions regarding lake regulations, restrictions and best practices.
Many of our volunteer-led efforts are in cooperation with numerous regulatory agencies, partnering organizations, and local governments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMLA an HOA?
No, SMLA is a volunteer-led non-profit 501 c 3 non-profit environmental and safety related organization.
What awards are available from SMLA?
There are up to five awards presented each year. For more information, as well as a list of previous recipients, please visit the Annual Awards page.
How can I learn about volunteer opportunities to help protect the lake?
Contact the leader for the program(s) that interest you or call the office at 540-719-0690 for general information about volunteer opportunities.
Do I have to be a member to donate to SMLA?
You do not need to be a member to donate. If you love the lake and want to help protect it, donate today. Donations are tax deductible.