By Mark Debord – October 2024

Shoreline vegetation is a critical piece of the efforts to limit the runoff of nutrients that lead to Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB). Last year, through a generous grant from DuPont, LACA members and other volunteers planted between 2500-3000 native plants.  Lake Anna Civic Association - Another DuPont Clear Into the Future Grant for LACA (lakeannavirginia.org). LACA received additional grants from DuPont and Dominion Energy that we’ll use to continue and expand that work in 2024.

In addition to the role that shoreline vegetation plays in reducing nutrient uptake in the lake, it is an important part of erosion control, storing carbon, and water purification. It also provides critical habitat for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife at Lake Anna. Understanding Living Shorelines | NOAA Fisheries. 

In March 2023, Dominion Energy established the Lake Anna Reservoir and Waste Heat Treatment Facility (WHTF) Vegetation Management & Herbicide/Pesticide Treatment Policy.  Lake Anna Reservoir and WHTF Vegetation Management & Herbicide/Pesticide Treatment Policy (cdn-dominionenergy-prd-001.azureedge.net).  The purpose of the policy is to protect aquatic vegetation at the lake (note that hydrilla is managed under a separate policy).

Under the policy, landowners should not treat more than what immediately prevents access to swimming areas, boat docks, and the main water body. Before removing any vegetation along the shoreline or in the water, whether with chemicals or physical removal, a landowner must apply to Dominion for prior approval. The application and accompanying instructions are attached to the policy in the link above.

Preventing HABs requires a group effort. Protecting Lake Anna’s shoreline vegetation plays a critical role in that.

mark.debord@lakeannavirginia.org