As water temperatures begin to rise, there has been a noticeable increase in aquatic plant growth throughout Lake Gaston. Warmer temperatures along with increased water clarity and reduced water flow —caused by limited releases from Kerr Lake due to drought conditions—are all contributing factors driving aquatic plant growth. Reduced water flow can also create more stable conditions, allowing aquatic plants to become established in areas that were previously unfavorable for growth.

My suggestion to all experiencing increased plant growth around their shoreline is to report it in the Public Report for Nuisance Aquatic Species Form (https://forms.gle/hRqCnWb3o6qULnq68).  This will give me more information on location and species, plus it will add you to our running database.  Aquatic plants can be easily mistaken, so emailing pictures showing the growth around your shoreline, as well as the plant out of the water would be very helpful.  You can email the pictures directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For those in which a native species is identified, the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council is unable to direct treatments towards these species and it would be up to the homeowner to contact a licensed aquatic herbicide applicator and determine options for private treatments. Per Dominion’s Shoreline Management Plan, it's up to the applicator’s discretion on if the plant is causing enough of a navigational issue to warrant treatment.  They have their own set of guidelines in relation to their herbicide license and what they can or can't treat.

For those in which one of our nuisance species, lyngbya and hydrilla, is identified your form entry will result in your property being added to our running database. While these species are targeted by Lake Gaston Weed Control Council facilitated management plans, addition to the database is no guarantee of a future LGWCC funded treatment.  However, it is a reassurance that your property will be part of any future treatment discussions. All treatment programs for 2026 have been finalized, therefore additional areas cannot be added this year. However, homeowners do have the option of contacting a licensed aquatic herbicide applicator to determine options for private treatments.

We suggest that homeowners not included in the LGWCC’s treatment program contact a licensed private applicator to apply targeted algaecide and/or herbicide treatments.  A list of applicators operating on Lake Gaston can be found HERE. The Weed Control Council contracts with Aqua Services for lyngbya treatments and PLM for hydrilla treatments, but other companies offer similar services.

Please feel free to reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any specific questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Jessica Baumann, NC Extension Associate

Lake Gaston, NC — The President of the Lake Gaston Association, Scooter Boham, attended an emergency meeting called by the Halifax County Manager, Dia Denton, on Thursday, April 24, 2026, at 6 pm at the Halifax County Courthouse Commissioners' Room to hear a resolution passed unanimously by the county commissioners to oppose Senate Bill 214 in its current manner. The Lake Gaston Association (LGA) strongly opposes the recent and deeply concerning actions by Franklin County officials to advance Senate Bill 214 through a last-minute legislative insertion. This maneuver represents a troubling disregard for transparency, inter-county cooperation, and the fundamental principle of local governance.

Senate Bill 214, as introduced under these circumstances, appears to enable Franklin County to pursue the acquisition of property located within Halifax, Warren, and Vance Counties—without the knowledge, consent, or approval of the duly elected officials representing those jurisdictions. Such an approach undermines the authority of neighboring counties and sets a dangerous precedent for unilateral action that bypasses established processes of regional collaboration.

The Lake Gaston region thrives because of the cooperative relationships among its counties, residents, and stakeholders. Any effort to alter that balance—particularly through legislative shortcuts—risks eroding trust and destabilizing the shared stewardship of our natural and economic resources.

This is not simply a procedural concern; it is a matter of mutual respect, transparency, cooperation, accountability, and the rule of law. The people and governments of Halifax, Warren, and Vance Counties deserve a seat at the table when decisions of this magnitude are being considered.

The LGA calls upon members of the North Carolina General Assembly to reject Senate Bill 214 in its current form and to insist on a transparent, inclusive process that honors the rights and voices of all affected counties. We also urge Franklin County to engage in good-faith dialogue with its neighboring jurisdictions before pursuing any initiatives with cross-county implications.

The Lake Gaston Association remains committed to protecting the interests of the Lake Gaston community and ensuring that all actions impacting the region are conducted with integrity, openness, and mutual respect.

Thank you for your support,     

Scooter Boham

LGA President

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

850-261-4020

Why Should I Join the LGA?

By Scooter Boham, LGA President

The Lake Gaston Association (LGA) isn’t an HOA, and it doesn’t provide direct “services” like trash pickup or other amenities. Think of it more as a regional advocacy and stewardship group for the entire lake—its value is indirect but pretty meaningful if you care about the lake long-term. 

What the Lake Gaston Association does for you

 1. Gives you a collective voice with local governments and Dominion Energy

Lake Gaston spans two states and five counties, so individual property owners have very little influence on their own.

• The LGA represents all lake property owners as one unified group
• It works with local, state, and federal agencies on policies affecting the lake
• That includes things like shoreline rules, regulations, water levels, taxes, and development
• Collaborative efforts with the Lake Gaston Chamber of Commerce, LGWSC, LGWCC, and the 911 Task Force, Army Corps of Engineers, Dominion Energy, NCWRC, VAWRC, and Stakeholders

Without the LGA, your voice is basically diluted. With it, you’re part of a group that officials actually listen to.

2. The LGA protects the lake itself (water quality, noxious weeds and algae, safety, health, and well-being)

The LGA has (3) committees:

• Lake Environmental Committee (water quality, invasive plants like Hydrilla, algae control, run off)
• Community and Government Relations Committee (local and state government relations, stakeholders, community involvement and participation, volunteers)
• Membership and Volunteers Committee (membership participation, festival marketing, volunteer engagement, events)

 This directly impacts your:

• Swimming, boating, fishing, and recreational experience
• Property values
• Long-term health of the lake
• Bringing the community together
• Economic development done the right way
• Beautification and preservation of a high-quality lake
• Water quality 

3. The LGA monitors and responds to issues that affect your property

The LGA tracks and engages on things like:

• Proposed regulations or restrictions
• Development projects
• Environmental threats
• Economic Development
• Shoreline Management Plans (SMP)
• Emergency Action Plans (EAP)

The LGA researches issues and pushes for solutions and resolutions rather than leaving residents to figure it out individually. 

4. The LGA keeps you informed through its website, social media, news media, monthly membership meetings, and public announcements

They provide updates on:

• What’s happening on the lake, relative to its mission and purpose
• Policy changes
• Environmental conditions
• Ongoing projects and events

This is especially useful if:

• You’re a full-time or part-time resident
• You’re a business owner or employee on the lake or near the lake
• You don’t follow county/state meetings or local lake news closely

 5. Strength in numbers (especially for non-resident owners)

A big issue at Lake Gaston: many owners don’t live at the lake full-time and can’t vote locally

• As an individual, that means you have little political influence
• However, collectively through LGA, you are part of a recognized stakeholder group
• Brings collaborative efforts together
• Brings in diverse creativity and ideas

This is one of the biggest practical reasons the organization exists. 

So…why should YOU join?

You’ll likely see value if you:

• Care about protecting property and business value
• Want a say in regulations and lake management
• Spend a lot of time on the water (boating, swimming, fishing, recreation, entertaining)
• Own a second home and want representation locally
• Believe in long-term preservation of the lake

The cost of an LGA membership is very low ($30/year for a general membership, $15/year if you are in an HOA that joins, and $60/year for a business membership), so it’s more about supporting the cause than buying perks. 

 Joining is easy!  Just click on this link:  Become an LGA Member!

We had a sold out event at the Below Deck Sports Bar on April 1st for our monthly membership meeting.  Our speaker was Jessica Baumann, Extension Associate for the Aquatic Weed Program at NC State.  Jessica shared the results of the 2025 Aquatic Vegetation Survey and then discussed the 2026 Treatment Plans for Lake Gaston.  Despite some technical difficulties with the slide show, Jessica gave a fantastic presentation.  The video was edited to include the slides throughout the discussion.  Click on the link above to watch the video -- and be sure to like and subscribe to the LGA's channel so that you receive notifications of future posted videos.