Once again this June, Volunteers from the Lake Gaston Association will be “hands on” to enhance habitat on Lake Gaston.  Since 2013, volunteers have been working with NC State University Department of Crop Science, NC Wildlife Resource Commission and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to enhance native aquatic vegetation on Lake Gaston.

The Lake Gaston Weed Control Council has been working for over thirty years using drawdowns, herbicides, and triploid grass carp to control invasive vegetation (primarily hydrilla) at Lake Gaston. As recent as 2006, hydrilla infestations were found on 3,000 acres.   Control measures are now proving successful with recent surveys showing hydrilla to be found on approximately 100 acres. 

Biologists see the need for native vegetation to fill the void left from hydrilla control. Fenced in areas, called exclosures or cages, are constructed to protect and develop colonies of native vegetation.  The cages protect the newly planted vegetation from being eaten by herbivores, such as turtles and grass carp. Native vegetation provides habitat for fish and waterfowl, reduces shoreline erosion, anchors sediment and improves water quality.

This June 13th - 15th, volunteers will once again repair previously constructed cages, harvest and replant native vegetation and construct  new cages at one or two locations. LGA will provide lunch over the three day event. The Lake Gaston Weed Control Council and the Sport Fish Restoration Program provides funding.

Dates/time and meeting locations Are:

• Tuesday - June 13th (9am) at Granite Hall Shores: Shore Dr, Boydton, VA 23917
• Wednesday - June 14th (9am) at Poplar Creek Ramp: 10450 Hwy 903, Bracey, VA 23919
• Thursday - June 15th (9am) at Salmons Landing: 129 Salmons Landing Rd, Littleton, NC 27850 

Contact Wally Sayko,  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  (434) 774-0715