At the February 14th meeting of the Lake Gaston Stakeholders Board a Resolution introduced by the Lake Gaston Association (LGA) to support funding and management of lyngbya (a cyanobacteria or blue-green algae) was passed without exception.
The LGA is working closely with the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council (LGWCC) to address funding barriers and seek solutions that benefit the health of Lake Gaston and our community.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lake Gaston Stakeholders Board (LGSB) was formed in 2004 with the purpose to create and carry out an effective long term plan for the management of aquatic species (fish and vegetation) in Lake Gaston. Managing Aquatic Plants in Lake Gaston, A Long-Term Action Plan, was released to the public in February 2006 and subsequently amended in 2013 as Lake Gaston Aquatic Plant Management: Revised Long Term Management Plan. This plan reflects a commitment to managing aquatic vegetation in Lake Gaston in a way that is both responsive and achieves the related goals of meeting the recreational needs of as many lake users as possible while protecting the lake’s ecological health and natural beauty.
WHEREAS, control measures conducted by the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council (LGWCC), based on Technical Advisory Group recommendations, have successfully managed hydrilla to a reduced level of approximately 200 acres across the lake. Current annual survey data shows Lyngbya, a filamentous cyanobacterium or blue green algae, increasing to approximately 1300 acres across the lake. The expansion of lyngbya poses a significant threat to the health and recreational benefits of Lake Gaston.
WHEREAS, North Carolina State University, with funding from the LGWCC, continues to conduct research focused on effective management for lyngbya within Lake Gaston, as well as, to better understand factors that influence its distribution and growth. In addition, the LGWCC supports research into the production of cyanotoxins and their potential impact to the environment and human health.
WHEREAS, the LGWCC is the only entity on Lake Gaston that receives funding for the research and management of native, noxious and invasive aquatic vegetation. Funds are also used to support an extension position with North Carolina State University Aquatic Plant Management Program.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the LGSB recognizes that management of lyngbya is of benefit to the general public and supports; 1) research and integrated Noxious Weed Management (including lyngbya) which addresses Lake Gaston’s water quality, and biodiversity, 2) consistent funding and clear pathways that provide counties the legal authority to fund problematic algae management activities, 3) actively encourages legislative and administrative solutions to list lyngbya as a Noxious Aquatic Weed under the NC DEQ Aquatic Weed Control Program, and 4) supports cost share funding by all stakeholders, to include States, County jurisdictions as well as private entities.
BE IT KNOWN that out of Lake Gaston Stakeholder Board members representing a quorum were present via ZOOM at a meeting held on this 14th day of February 2024 and the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted at said meeting by the affirmative vote of all Board Members and opposed by none; and that said Resolution has been duly recorded in this organization’s minutes and is in full force and effect.
Pete Deschenes, President