By the time you read this article the Lake Gaston Association (LGA) Volunteer Survey of aquatic vegetation around the Lake Gaston shoreline will be well underway. The survey is conducted by volunteers who all have something in common – a desire to help maintain the water quality in Lake Gaston. The results of the annual survey are used by the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council (LGWCC) and North Carolina State University (NCSU) to help guide the next year’s invasive/nuisance species treatment plan. Without the ongoing management and annual treatment of aquatic vegetation by the LGWCC and NCSU, there is the potential for invasive/nuisance vegetation to spread uncontrolled across the lake and connecting creeks. Currently, while hydrilla is under control, the species of greatest concern is lyngbya which is a blue-green algae that has toxic properties.

Lyngbya from Lake Gaston                          Hydrilla from Lake Gaston  

Through the efforts of the LGWCC, NCSU, the LGA and the many other supporting stakeholders, relatively small populations of hydrilla are still lurking in many upper creek areas waiting for the opportunity to “breakout” and spread as it did in years past. Both lyngbya and hydrilla are listed in the 2015 North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management plan as higher priority concerns. Only continued vigilance and effort will prevent a future catastrophe in the form of uncontrolled invasive/nuisance vegetation spreading across Lake Gaston. Property owners around the lake often ask how they can ensure shoreline around their property is considered by the LGWCC and NCSU for treatment of aquatic invasive/nuisance species. One way is to volunteer for the annual LGA Volunteer Vegetation Survey. The program always needs additional help to ensure that the lake shoreline is adequately assessed so priority treatment areas can be identified. To find out more about the survey, go the LGA Environment Committee website at https://www.lgancva.com/lake-gaston-committees/lake-environment-committee.html. To volunteer for future surveys, complete the electronic signup form at https://forms.gle/JaBqTo7bqcqHaBDk9.

LGA Volunteers participate in the annual vegetation survey.

Unfortunately, the LGWCC does not have adequate resources to treat all locations across the lake and focuses on the highest priority areas based on collected data and scientific analysis. Dominion Energy, who manages the lake under its permit with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), has provisions to allow for the treatment of aquatic invasive/nuisance species by registered and licensed chemical applicators. In very specific instances Dominion may also allow the treatment of native vegetation that is inhibiting navigation on the lake to include permitted boathouse access. The hand removal of invasive/nuisance species by property owners is allowed, however precautions should be taken when removing lyngbya (e.g., prevent contact with skin and inhalation of dried algae particles) or hydrilla (broken pieces left in the water may re-establish as growing vegetation). The Dominion Lake Gaston Reservoir Manager is the responsible party for making final determinations on authorized native vegetation treatment/removal. Lake Gaston property owners are reminded that chemically treating aquatic vegetation yourself is not allowed per the Dominion Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and may be a violation of the federal/state Clean Water Acts.

With the fall season coming on fast, this is a good time to remind readers that putting landscaping waste material into the lake is prohibited by the Dominion SMP. This includes lawn clippings, leaves, and other similar waste material. This organic waste can increase the biochemical oxygen demand, reducing dissolved oxygen available for fish and other aquatic wildlife. In addition, it can also contribute to an increase in undesirable invasive/nuisance species in the lake.

In closing, please keep in mind why it’s to all our benefit to help manage invasive/nuisance aquatic vegetation on Lake Gaston:

·       Improves water quality by allowing native vegetation to get established

·       Enhances water recreation activities

·       Improves fisheries and wildlife habitat

·       Helps support the local economy and maintain property values around the lake