Initial results and analysis of the 2023 Lake Gaston Vegetation Survey have been made available. This annual survey, funded by the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council (LGWCC), is a collaborative effort between volunteers of the Lake Gaston Association (LGA) and staff from North Carolina State University (NCSU). Jessica R. Baumann, NCSU Extension Associate, gave a presentation of the results to the "Pete Deschences" Stakeholder Board (LGSB) on February 14, 2024. She will provide a similar presentation at the LGA Environment Committee meeting March 20, 2024 and at an upcoming LGA monthly meeting. In addition, a summary report will be made available in the near future.

More than 150 LGA volunteers teamed up with NCSU staff to survey the entire lake shoreline of approximately 350 miles. The survey took place from 19 August to November 3, 2023. A total of 6,311 sample points were taken at ~200 foot intervals along the shoreline. Approximately 82% of the sample sites had some type of aquatic vegetation. Water willow makes up the largest percentage of vegetation (~40%) followed by lyngbya (~13%) and chara/nitella (~13%). Hydrilla made up approximately 4% of the sampled plant community. While water willow and chara/nitella are native and considered beneficial species, lyngbya is considered noxious and hydrilla is invasive. Modeling, based on the survey, performed by NCSU estimates there is approximately 1,377 acres of lyngbya across much of the lake shoreline. The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) has recommended that the LGWCC treat up to 500 acres of lyngbya in 2024. The following map shows the areas of the lake where lyngbya was identified:

The modeling also estimates there is approximately 329 acres of hydrilla in the lake, primarily in the creek areas. The 2024 TAG recommendation to the LGWCC is to treat up to 198 acres and stock a small number of sterile grass carp to manage the hydrilla. The following shows the areas of the lake where hydrilla was identified:

The specific areas where lyngbya and hydrilla will be treated in 2024 will be identified before April. The management of aquatic vegetation on Lake Gaston, both native and noxious/invasive, continues to demonstrate success. It's important to keep in mind that the total eradication of lyngbya and hydrilla in Lake Gaston is unlikely, and continued monitoring and management is necessary to ensure the quality of the lake environment. The continued funding for aquatic vegetation management by all 5 counties, both states and Virginia Beach, is critical for the future success of the program. Please be sure to let your elected officials know you expect their support for Lake Gaston!