Newsletter articles

By Greg Baker, President, Lake Anna Civic Association - April 2025

Wake surfing has become one of Lake Anna’s most popular recreational activities—but it has also raised significant concerns among many residents. In fact, wake surfing remains one of the top issues reported by LACA members.

What Our Members Are Saying

According to LACA’s biennial surveys conducted in 2019, 2021, and 2023:

• 87% of respondents believe wake surfing should be limited to areas at least 900 feet wide.

• 83% support the creation of additional no wake surfing zones.

• 73% have experienced adverse effects from waves generated by wake surf boats.

These numbers reflect growing concerns about safety, shoreline erosion, property damage, and the broader environmental health of the lake.

The Science Behind Wake Surfing Wakes

Wake surf boats are engineered to produce large, powerful waves that allow riders to surf without a rope. However, these waves are significantly larger and more forceful than those produced by other water sports.

• A University of Quebec study found that surf boat wakes hitting the shore from 500 feet away were twice as destructive as wakes from water ski boats at the same distance.

• A University of Minnesota study showed that wakes from surf boats 600 feet away still generated more impact than water ski boats only 200 feet from shore.

Leading researchers in wake science—including Jeffrey Marr (University of Minnesota), Yves Prairie (University of Quebec), and Sebastien Raymond (University of Laval)—have independently concluded that wake surfing should take place at least 600 to 984 feet (300 meters) from shore to mitigate damage. The farther the wake is from the shoreline, the more its force is naturally dissipated.

Environmental Impacts and Algal Blooms

In addition to shoreline damage, wake surfing may be contributing to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Anna. These blooms are driven in part by the release of phosphorus from disturbed lake sediment—a process accelerated by wake surf boats.

• Ballasted wake surf boats use heavy onboard tanks to generate larger wakes. These boats often operate low in the water, with downward-facing propellers that stir up sediment.

• A University of Western Colorado study found that surf boat propellers disturb lake bottoms even at depths of 20 feet, releasing phosphorus trapped in the sediment. 

Lake Anna has experienced recreational no-swim advisories for seven consecutive years, primarily in upper lake areas. Reducing activities that stir sediment and promote nutrient release is a key strategy in addressing these blooms.

Key Concerns Around Wake Surfing on Lake Anna

1. Shoreline erosion, especially in unprotected areas.

2. Damage to protective structures such as riprap and bulkheads.

3. Safety hazards for swimmers and people boarding boats at docks.

4. Incompatibility with fishing and other water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and water skiing.

5. Risk of smaller boats taking water over the bow when encountering large surf wakes.

6. Phosphorus release from disturbed sediment and shoreline erosion.

LACA’s Updated Policy

LACA has historically supported compromise on this issue, with prior recommendations including:

• 100-foot setbacks from shore for all towed sports.

• 200-foot setbacks specifically for wake surfing.

However, as boat technology has advanced --- and the science has become clearer—it’s evident that a 200-foot setback is no longer sufficient. After more than a year of board discussions, LACA’s board has unanimously adopted a new position:

LACA now supports a 500-foot setback for wake surfing in water at least 20 feet deep, while maintaining a 200-foot setback for all other towed water sports.

This policy reflects a balanced approach: allowing wake surfing to continue on Lake Anna, while safeguarding shorelines, property, and the broader ecosystem.

Education vs. Regulation

The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), which is a lobbying organization that represents the wake surf industry, has promoted educational efforts to encourage safe boating practices. These include:

• Avoiding narrow sections of the lake.

• Staying at least 200 feet from shore.

• Reducing repetitive passes in the same area.

LACA supports these educational campaigns. However, education alone has not resolved the issue. At public hearings, it’s common to hear wake surfing advocates downplay the damage their wakes cause or oppose even modest setbacks.

We believe that education must be paired with enforceable setbacks based on science. While WSIA supports 200-foot setbacks, most independent studies recommend significantly larger distances. Our view is that WSIA supports legislation with 200-foot setbacks in their own self-interest because they are keenly aware that the science points to much larger setbacks to protect the shorelines. We believe they are actively supporting codifying the less restrictive setbacks with the assumption that once a law requiring a 200-foot setback is on the books, it would be harder to change. 

Our Plan for Lake-Wide No Wake Surf Zones

LACA’s current initiative is to simplify enforcement and reduce confusion by proposing a lake-wide no wake surf zone in areas where:

• The lake is less than 20 feet deep, or

• It is not possible to surf 500 feet from shore.

LACA supported and still supports both regulatory restrictions and legislation for reasonable setbacks for wake surfing. From these efforts, three no wake surfing zones in the state were established by the Department of Wildlife Resources. I wrote a newsletter article in March of 2021 titled “A Brief History of Virginia’s Three No Wake Surfing Zones.”

Rather than scattering many small zones across the lake, this approach focuses on a few key areas that are most vulnerable. The proposed zones include:

• The upper Pamunkey Creek, northwest of Stubbs Bridge (consolidating three existing zones).

• The North Anna River, west of the narrowing where the lake is under 1,000 feet wide.

• The entirety of Contrary Creek.

• The back end of Pigeon Run.

This policy would still allow wake surfing on approximately 70% of Lake Anna’s length, from the North Anna Dam to the start of the restricted zones.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months, we’ll conduct our 2025 biennial survey to gather updated member input. In parallel, LACA is actively working to educate state elected representatives about the importance of a 500-foot setback for wake surfing.

We believe this policy strikes a thoughtful balance: allowing for safe, fun recreation while protecting the lake, our shoreline, and our community.

We welcome your feedback and thank you for your continued support in keeping Lake Anna safe, enjoyable, and sustainable for generations to come.

greg.baker@lakeannavirginia.org

By Harry Looney - April 2025

We have some encouraging news to share from the Virginia General Assembly regarding their commitment to addressing Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and protecting the health and future of Lake Anna and our surrounding waterways. 

$750,000 in Funding Secured for Lake Anna HAB Mitigation:

Thanks to persistent advocacy from the Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA), the General Assembly has approved an additional $250,000 in funding specifically for HAB mitigation efforts at Lake Anna. This significant allocation builds upon the $500,000 already included in the state's Fiscal Year 2025 budget, bringing the total state investment for Lake Anna HAB mitigation to $750,000 for the current fiscal year.

This increased funding will be instrumental in supporting the ongoing work of the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC) and its partners in implementing strategies to reduce excess phosphorus, the primary driver of HABs. These efforts may include the continued application of phosphorus-inactivating products, innovative bioremediation techniques, and other scientifically sound approaches aimed at improving water quality across the upper reservoir where HAB issues have been most persistent.

This positive development underscores the state's recognition of Lake Anna's economic and ecological importance and their willingness to invest in long-term solutions. The additional funds will allow for a more robust and comprehensive approach to tackling the HAB problem in the coming year.

$250,000 Statewide Investment in Freshwater HAB Monitoring and Analysis:

In further positive news for water quality across the Commonwealth, the General Assembly has also approved $250,000 in dedicated funding for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to enhance freshwater HAB monitoring and analysis statewide.

Currently, DEQ's capacity to monitor and analyze HABs in freshwater systems has been limited due to a lack of dedicated state funding. This new allocation will significantly bolster DEQ's ability to:

• Expand Monitoring Efforts: Increase the frequency and geographic scope of HAB monitoring in lakes, rivers, and other freshwater bodies across Virginia.
• Improve Analytical Capabilities: Invest in advanced equipment and techniques for rapid and accurate identification and toxin analysis of cyanobacteria.

This statewide investment will provide a crucial foundation for understanding the prevalence and risks associated with HABs in Virginia's freshwater ecosystems, ultimately leading to better informed public health advisories and more effective management strategies.

What This Means for Lake Anna:

The dedicated funding for Lake Anna mitigation, coupled with the statewide enhancement of DEQ's monitoring and analysis capabilities, represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to protect and improve the water quality of our beloved lake. The increased resources will empower local initiatives and provide DEQ with the tools needed to better understand and respond to HAB events.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our state representatives and the General Assembly for recognizing the importance of addressing HABs and investing in the health of Lake Anna and Virginia's freshwater resources. We will continue to work closely with LAAC, DEQ, and other partners to ensure these funds are utilized effectively to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in Lake Anna's water quality.

Stay tuned for further updates on the implementation of these funding initiatives and opportunities for community involvement in our ongoing efforts.

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org

By Kevin Hackett- April 2025

LACA’s annual election is coming up next month and we encourage members to run for board positions. The following positions are up for election this year:

President and Treasurer

Regional Director for the following regions:                                                       

Region #1 - Jackson/Cuckoo - Private                 

Region #3 - Partlow                                                

Region #5 - Belmont  

All members are eligible to submit their name as a nominee. LACA is always seeking a wider base of membership involvement and looks forward to welcoming new members to the Board. Board meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month. The Annual meeting is on the last Saturday of July. 

Duties of the President include serving as the Chairman of the Board, being responsible for the administration, management and coordination of the Association business and shall execute the orders and resolutions of the board.  

Duties of the Treasurer includes receiving, disbursing and accounting for Association funds. In addition, filing annual tax returns and other tax exempt reporting requirements. 

A more detailed description of officer responsibilities can be found here.

To run for a Regional Director position, you must own or rent property in that region.  Responsibilities of the Regional Directors include communicating with their respective communities to inform constituents of actions taken by LACA and to solicit their input on current and future issues.  Also, to communicate with Property Owners’ Associations and/or serve on the various board committees. 

A more detailed description of Regional Director responsibilities can be found here.  If you are unsure of what region you live in, please click here. 

If you are interested in becoming a nominee, please let us know by responding to this email.  We look forward to hearing from you and will answer any questions you may have on becoming a board member.  It’s the members who make this organization a success!

Kevin.Hackett@lakeannavirginia.org

By Harry Looney – February 2025

Dear LACA Members,

The Virginia House and Senate have included key funding items for Lake Anna in their respective budget amendments, but we need your help to ensure they make it through the final budget process! The House and Senate budget bills are currently being reconciled in the Budget Conference session. This process only lasts a few days so we must act quickly to be sure our voices are heard.

We are asking all LACA members to send emails to their legislators and the budget conferees urging them to support funding for Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) mitigation, DEQ HAB monitoring, and the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC) buoy maintenance and Hydrilla management request.

Key Funding Items:

1.  HAB Mitigation Funding

o    House: $500K in FY26 (Item 359#1h in HB1600) – Total: $1MM over two years

·       LACA supports this budget amendment due to the larger funding total over the two year budget cycle.

o    Senate: $250K additional in FY25 (Item 359#2s in SB800) – Total: $750K over two years

2.  DEQ HAB Monitoring

o    Only included in the Senate budget (Item 363#1s – $250K to DEQ)

3.  LAAC Buoy & Hydrilla Control

o    Only included in the House budget (Item 359#6h – $33K)

How You Can Help:

• Email your Delegate and Senator urging them to support these budget amendments. You can identify your Delegate and Senator at this link.
• Email the budget conferees to request inclusion of these critical funding items in the final budget. The budget conferees were announced late yesterday. The conferees include the elected officials listed below:
• • House: Delegates Torian, Sickles, Bulova, Carr, Austin, and Bloxom
  • Senate: Senators Lucas, Deeds, Locke, McDougle, and Pillion

We’ve made it easy for you! Below is a template letter you can personalize and send. You can also click on this link to open an email that includes the email addresses of the budget conferees and the template. Please take a few moments to reach out – your voice makes a difference!

Template Letter to Budget Conferees

Subject: Budget Amendments to Fund HAB Monitoring and Mitigation, Lake Anna Buoy Maintenance, and Invasive Species Management/Control

Honorable Members of the Joint Conference Committee on the Budget Bills

I am a resident of [Your Locality] and a member of the Lake Anna Civic Association. I am writing to urge your support on budget amendments to fund Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) mitigation at Lake Anna, HAB monitoring by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), buoy maintenance at Lake Anna, and Hydrilla control by the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC).

Lake Anna is a vital economic and recreational resource for our region, but it continues to face challenges from harmful algae blooms (HABs), invasive species, and water quality concerns. To address these issues, we request your support to fund the following budget items:

1.  HAB Mitigation Funding: We strongly encourage you to support item 359#1h of HB1600 that adds $500,000 to the second year of the FY25-26 budget. The $500,000 included in this budget item will support the continuation of HAB mitigation efforts initiated in 2024.

Continued HAB mitigation efforts at Lake Anna will take 5-10 more years of work and funding. The community is actively pursuing other funding opportunities for this effort, as the total cost of HAB mitigation at Lake Anna is estimated to be approximately $18,000,000.

The budget amendment originally submitted by Delegate Fowler requested $1,000,000. This amount would provide sufficient funding for continued progress on the Lake Anna HAB issue. While the $500,000 will provide sufficient funding to maintain what was started in 2024, it will not allow us to expand our efforts to include all areas impacted by HABs over the past eight years. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to increase the amount of funding in the second year of the FY25-26 budget to $1,000,000.

2.  DEQ HAB Monitoring: We strongly encourage you to support item 363#1s of SB800 that adds $250,000 to the first year of the FY25-26 budget.

It is alarming that the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) currently lacks dedicated state funding for freshwater Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) monitoring and analysis. This budget shortfall significantly hinders DEQ's ability to effectively monitor Virginia's waterways for cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and aquatic wildlife. These toxins pose a serious threat to public health and water quality safety. The funding proposed in the Senate budget amendment is crucial to ensure the state has the necessary resources to monitor for potential HABs and conduct thorough analyses to assess the extent of the threat to public health.

3.  LAAC Buoy & Hydrilla Control: We strongly encourage you to support item 359#6h of HB1600 that adds $33,000 to the second year of the FY25-26 budget.

The Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC) manages the regulatory buoy maintenance program at Lake Anna. Buoy maintenance costs continue to rise, and additional funding is needed to ensure the regulatory buoys remain in good working order to ensure safe navigation in areas of the lake where hazards such as bridges, submerged rocks and stumps, and shallow areas exist.

The LAAC also manages Lake Anna’s hydrilla control program. Like the buoy issue, treatment costs are increasing and the size and number of hydrilla “watch” areas on the lake are expanding due to environmental conditions that are favorable to the plant’s growth. Hydrilla is an invasive, non-native species that spreads quickly and must be controlled each year to avoid infestations that significantly affect safe use and navigation of the lake. 

These initiatives are critical to protecting the health and safety of the lake, its users, and the surrounding communities. I strongly urge you to support these provisions in the final budget agreement.

Thank you for your time and leadership on this issue.

Sincerely,
NAME

Please send your emails by Wednesday, February 19th to ensure our voices are heard before the conference committee finalizes the budget.

Thank you for your advocacy and commitment to protecting Lake Anna!

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org

By Mark DeBord - February 2025

A riparian buffer is an area adjacent to a stream, lake, or wetland that contains a combination of trees, shrubs, and/or other perennial plants. Riparian buffers are used in a wide variety of settings, often on agricultural land, but can also be used in your own back yard. These buffers can deliver a number of benefits including filtering nutrients, pesticides, and animal waste from land runoff; stabilizing eroding banks; filtering sediment from runoff; providing shade, shelter, and food for fish and other aquatic organisms; providing wildlife habitat and corridors for terrestrial organisms. How riparian buffers actually improve water quality - Friends of the Rappahannock

Over the past two years, LACA has planted approximately 5000 native plants along the shoreline at Lake Anna, through generous grants from Dominion and DuPont. Our focus for this coming year will be identifying landowners in the Lake Anna watershed who would be willing to let us do something similar with riparian buffers. Instead of putting plants along the lake shoreline, where they soak up nutrients in the lake, these buffers would be installed in the areas along the streams that flow into Lake Anna, absorbing the nutrients before they get to the lake.

These buffers range anywhere from 10 to 100 feet from the shoreline. The larger buffers absorb more nutrients and provide better shoreline erosion protection, but most any buffer will provide some benefits.

If you know of watershed landowners who may be interested in this, please contact Lara Weatherholtz or Mark DeBord, co-chairs of LACA’s Environmental Preservation Committee. There’s no cost to the landowner for approved projects. Even if you don’t know of landowners in the watershed but would like some advice on how to create your own buffer on your lakefront property, feel free to reach out to us on that.

mark.debord@lakeannavirginia.org

By Harry Looney – February 2025

Anyone that uses Lake Anna for recreational purposes knows that the upper parts of the lake have been under recreational advisories issued by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) each year since 2018 due to cyanobacteria Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs). It is clear from research conducted at Lake Anna over the past six years and more than thirty years of peer reviewed research on cyanobacteria issues around the country and the world, that the primary contributor to cyanobacteria growth is excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen).

The Virginia General Assembly distributed funding in the fiscal year 2024 state budget to start a cHAB mitigation program at Lake Anna. The Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC) worked with the Lousia County staff to release a competitive request for proposals to identify companies and technical approaches to reduce excess levels of phosphorus in the three main tributaries of Lake Anna (North Anna River, Pamunkey Creek, and Terry’s Run). The LAAC developed a five-year phosphorus remediation methodology that included a Concept Development phase in year-1 of the effort. The long-term goal of the 5-year LAAC project is to improve water quality in Lake Anna and to reduce excess phosphorus that is the primary source of the cHABs we have been experiencing.

The LAAC received viable technical proposals from two contractors, EutroPHIX, a division of SePRO Corporation, and Clean Streams Rivers and Lakes (CSRL), and both contractors were selected to be part of the Concept Development effort in 2024. The Concept Development phase included phosphorus remediation treatments in the North Anna River and Terry’s Run. Pamunkey Creek was the control area where no treatments were applied.

The EutroPHIX project scope included the application of phosphorus inactivating products both directly to the North Anna tributary of Lake Anna, as well as to the North Anna River upstream of the lake to reduce phosphorus inputs from the watershed.

The CSRL project scope included the application of phosphorus inactivating products to the Terry’s Run tributary of Lake Anna and the use of innovative, beneficial bacteria “bioreactors” to grow and sustain bacteria that compete with the cyanobacteria for nutrients and other sources of energy. The products from both companies have a wide margin of safety for aquatic organisms, fish, birds, mammals, and humans, and the treatments were reviewed and approved by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Dominion Energy.

 The contracts included an outcome-based measure of performance (MOP). The Phase 1 MOP was a 10% reduction in excess phosphorus as measured at the final sampling of the calendar year. The LAAC monitored the upper lake throughout the year to determine the amount of improvement in water quality and effectiveness of the treatments. In addition, the upper lake continued to be monitored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA) and both contractors were required to conduct water quality monitoring as part of their technical approach.

Data from phosphorus samples collected at multiple stations in each tributary show that both contractors exceeded the 10% reduction of excess phosphorus outcome-based MOP. Phosphorus data from sampling conducted at three stations on Pamunkey Creek (the control area for the Concept Development phase) also showed reductions of excess phosphorus levels.

The reductions that were achieved provide evidence that the technical approaches used by the two contractors will result in the reduction of excess phosphorus in Lake Anna, but more work is required to fully understand the data. We will continue to review the data to determine the effect that environmental conditions such as the drought the area experienced in the summer of 2024 might have had on the phosphorus reductions we measured. In addition, the LAAC is developing plans for what can be conducted in 2025 with the funding we have available. That plan will be presented to the Committee at the LAAC meeting in March 2025.

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org

By Joe Bailey – February 2025

If you are like me, you sometimes lose faith in the ability of federal, state and local government agencies and organizations to collaborate in meaningful ways to make measurable improvements to things that really matter.  I’m writing this article to let you know that it actually does happen!

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA) and the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC), Old Dominion University (ODU) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is actively investigating the causes and dynamics of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Anna, Virginia. Since 2018, Lake Anna has experienced recurring HABs during the mid-summer months, leading to advisories from the Virginia Department of Health that recommend avoiding recreational activities in affected areas.

The joint study focuses on continuous and discrete monitoring of hydrology, water quality, and weather conditions in two tributaries and various locations along Lake Anna. By analyzing these factors, researchers aim to understand the initiation, persistence, and decline of HABs. The objectives include identifying the primary sources contributing to HAB formation and developing predictive tools for early detection.

This collaborative effort seeks to enhance water quality management strategies for Lake Anna, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of this popular recreational destination.

The success of these monitoring efforts often relies on the cooperation of local residents and community organizations. LACA, for instance, has a history of collaborating with governmental agencies to monitor and maintain the lake's water quality. Their involvement includes facilitating access to various parts of the lake for data collection purposes. For this project, three LACA members provided continuous access to their docks for an 18-month period.  Such partnerships are crucial for comprehensive environmental monitoring and the development of effective water quality management strategies. These monitoring stations are strategically placed to collect data that aids in understanding and managing the water quality of Lake Anna.

LACA continues to play a pivotal role in monitoring and preserving the water quality of Lake Anna. Established in 2002, LACA's Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program collaborates with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to assess various parameters, including E.coli bacteria levels, acidity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and water clarity. Monitoring is conducted at over 30 sites under a Memorandum of Agreement with DEQ.

LACA's extensive data collection and analysis support the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and DEQ in their studies to understand the drivers of HABs in Lake Anna. This collaborative approach enhances water quality management strategies, ensuring the lake remains a safe and enjoyable resource for all.

As the extensive amount of data collected is analyzed in the coming months, the findings will be instrumental in identifying patterns and potential causes of HABs, thereby aiding in the development of effective mitigation strategies. The USGS, DEQ and LACA continue to analyze this data to enhance water quality management and ensure the safety of Lake Anna's recreational waters.

Seeing federal, state and local agencies and organizations working so closely together toward a common goal that is important to me has renewed my faith in the power of collaboration.

joe.bailey@lakeannavirginia.org

By Greg Baker – December 2024

We are all fortunate to live and or recreate at beautiful Lake Anna. Sometimes what was meant to be a wonderful day at the lake takes a turn for the worst and we want and need our Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) there to help. CPOs or what other states call Game Wardens are no different than any other police officer in the state and are fully certified through the Department of Criminal Justice Services. This gives them the right to enforce all Commonwealth laws. You might be annoyed (I hope not!) when they check your fishing license or check to see if you have the right number of life jackets on board, but I can assure you in an emergency, an arriving CPO is a huge relief.

One of the things we found in LACA’s biennial survey is that our members want more of a presence from our CPOs on Lake Anna. Certainly, on busy holiday weekends we see the police out in force throughout the lake. On a normal weekend, the police are far more scarce and during the week or in other times of the year, we might rarely see an officer. The reason? It all comes down to funding. As a side note, CPOs are not the only folks that patrol Lake Anna, we are fortunate to have officers from both Spotsylvania and Louisa County’s Sheriff’s Department also patrolling the lake.

 The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is authorized for approximately 182 CPOs for the entire state. That works out to about two CPOs per county. Currently, there are only 160-170 of those positions filled. You can imagine how hard it is for the department to manage their resources and provide coverage to Lake Anna, with such a small force. To make matters worse, CPOs often make less than their counterparts in other policing organizations.

Graduates of the 13^th Academy Class of CPOs, August 29, 2024

The DWR CPOs are the only statewide policing organization that does not receive any funding directly from the Commonwealth. DWR funding comes from fishing and hunting license sales, watercraft registrations, federal dollars derived from outdoor expenditures, sales and use tax on watercraft sales and finally a portion of sales tax related to wildlife equipment sales. That would be awesome if DWR received all these funds, but they don’t.

The General Assembly passed House Bill 38 back in 1998 which authorized DWR to receive sales tax on sales of wildlife equipment, things like fishing poles and guns. HB38 capped the annual amount to $13 million dollars. Unfortunately, that cap has not changed in almost 25 years. Because of inflation, a dollar in 1998 would need to be $1.83 today to have the same value. The General Assembly should increase this cap to $23 million just to keep up with inflation.

To make matters worse, the state has only appropriated the full $13 million only once in the last 15 years. The average appropriation for the past seven years has been just over $11.3 million per year. The same goes for sales tax on watercraft. Every year, the state has appropriated less than the amount collected in watercraft tax. Over the past 7 years, Virginia has collected approximately $7.9 million per year in watercraft sales tax and passed on roughly $5.6 million to DWR.

If the state just appropriated 100% of the amounts promised, that would work out to approximately $4 million per year in additional funding. Even if the state does not raise the cap on Wildlife Equipment Tax, that makes a huge difference. That may not sound like a lot in days of multibillion-dollar state budgets, but it would make a significant impact to DWR ability to provide increased CPO coverage at Lake Anna. Don’t get me wrong, we think the state should do both: Adjust the cap for inflation and appropriate 100% of what was promised.

What can we do? Join LACA! One of Lake Anna Civic Association’s mandate is to promote safety on Lake Anna. We are working hard to speak with our local legislators to provide funding for Lake Anna. When we speak to a legislator it makes a difference if we can explain that LACA represents over 1000 property owners at Lake Anna. If you are not yet a member, please join us at www.lakeannavirginia.org  Secondly, write your state delegate or your state senator and ask them to support DWR CPOs by fully funding the Authorized Watercraft and Wildlife Equipment Tax. You can find your state delegate at https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov Finally, please show your support for our CPOs and other officers on Lake Anna by giving them a friendly wave when you see them out on the water. Remember, they would rather be out on a boat with their friends and family on a holiday weekend than pulling a double shift making us safe.

President LACA

greg.baker@lakeannavirginia.org

By John Wayne – December 2024

Cutalong continues to move forward with the creation of a master planned resort community with hundreds of homes, an 18-hole championship golf course and practice facilities, tennis and pickle ball courts, an aquatic facility, access to Lake Anna via community docks, beach, and other amenities. The developer, Reef Capital Partners, and their local team led by Joe Walsh, have been responsive to many of the concerns raised by the community.  LACA has worked with this team, representing concerns expressed by our membership to include environmental impacts, impacts on adjacent property owners and users of the lake, overcrowding of waterways, roads and traffic concerns, and others.

Much work has been completed within Cutalong over the past year creating the water and wastewater infrastructure required for this ambitious development.  Not wanting to go backward in terms of our fight to improve the water quality of Lake Anna, LACA has focused much of the discussion with the Reef team on environmental concerns.  As I am sure you know, development projects of this type have requirements to “offset” any increased nutrient loads (nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) calculated for the final development state.  These increased loads can be offset by buying “nutrient offset credits”, the results of which can be nutrient reductions in some other locale, even outside of Virginia. 

During our discussions, LACA requested that Reef consider implementing the required “credits” within the Cutalong property, ensuring that the impact of the development does not increase the inflow of these harmful nutrients to Lake Anna.  Further, regarding the implementation of their wastewater treatment facility (WWTF), we asked that Reef consider the creation of wetlands on the property to help with the absorption of even the small amounts of nutrients emanating from that facility. Joe and his team became advocates for the idea, attended a field trip with LACA to an existing man-made wetland in use in Chesterfield, Virginia, and found a way to incorporate this concept into their design. I received the following information from the development team this month.

“In compliance with the DEQ VPDES Permit issued in June 2024, Cutalong has designed and received approval from DEQ for the creation of the required nutrient offset credits, which will be generated 100% onsite at the project’s 1,000 acres and for the benefit of the Lake Anna watershed. The plan provides all required credits needed to construct and operate the second WWTF. That WWTF is currently in design and will be constructed at a future date, as required by development schedules.

Highlights include:

●    75-Acre Conservation Easement:

The 75-acres is primarily south of Contrary Creek, with parcels also on the west end of the Cutalong golf course. This land, previously used for agriculture, has been converted into a perpetual forested state, creating valuable nutrient credits.

●    Stream Restoration:

●    A $1.5 million project to restore 3,000 linear feet of stream channels has commenced. This project will stabilize stream banks and beds, reducing erosion and preventing the release of nitrogen and phosphorus into the watershed. Construction began in November 2024 and is scheduled to be completed by Summer 2025.

●    Wetlands Creation:

½ acre of wetlands which were destroyed during mining activities in the late 1800s when the existing creek was dammed to provide a water source for mining activities, will be restored. This restoration will reconnect the wetlands to the floodplain, providing additional nutrient uptake beyond the permit requirements.”

Joe also reports that building activities are beginning to occur and/or are scheduled for many of the community amenities.

Cutalong Golf Club continues to move forward with exciting developments.

●    The Cutalong Golf Clubhouse is under construction, scheduled opening in Summer 2025. Exterior, interior, and site renderings are available, along with a link to the August 2024 press release for more details.

●    Phase One of Member Amenities will debut in late Fall 2025, featuring temporary docks, a fishing pond, chipping greens, a competitive putting green, a lighted putting green, four pickleball courts, and three miles of hiking trails.

●    The Cutalong Stay & Play Condominiums have been fully designed, and groundbreaking will begin once final site plans and permit approvals are received.

I know from discussions with Joe that the team continues to work with Louisa County officials on updates to the plans.  We expect to see some changes to the types of residential development, as well as other changes once this process is completed. While there is still much to come, Joe and his team have proven to be good partners with LACA in its efforts to keep Lake Anna Clean, Safe and Beautiful.  We look forward to continuing to work with Joe and the other members of the Reef Capital Partners team as this development continues to come to fruition.

LACA Land Use

john.wayne@lakeannavirginia.org

By Sue Biondi – December 2024

The Annual Lake Anna Civic Association meeting took place on July 27 at Callie Opie’s Barn.  As members arrived, they were greeted by the board, including officers, regional directors and committee chairs.  They were treated to coffee, tea and sweets to start the day. 

President Greg Baker welcomed members and called the meeting to order at 9:30 am.  The agenda was distributed to members prior to the meeting.  The guest speaker was Stacy Brown, who is with the Virginia Department of Natural Resources.  She gave a very interesting and informative speech on the Perspective of Boating Safety on Lake Anna.  There was a question-and-answer session after her speech. 

Greg Baker then spoke about current legislation being considered regarding remediation and mitigation of recurring harmful algae blooms.  Minutes from the 2023 Annual Meeting were presented by Secretary Sue Biondi.  Treasurer Willie Kelly then presented the 2023-2024 annual financial report.  Greg presented the new LACA Wake Surfing Policy. 

The following committees presented their annual wrap-up reports:  John Wayne - Land Use; Mo Daniels - Emergency Services and Safety; Dick Hanscom - Water Quality; Mark DeBord - Environmental Preservation; Rick Nehrboss - President’s Council; and Craig DiSesa - Fireworks. 

President Baker then announced the annual Jack Bertron awardee, Harry Looney, Chair of the Water Quality committee.  Harry was not present to receive the award, but it will be delivered on his return.  After time for some questions and answers, the meeting adjourned. 

There was nothing but positive feedback about the venue, the meeting and the efforts of the association to protect the lake and continue to commit to the mission statement, “to preserve and protect the cleanliness, beauty and safe use of Lake Anna and its watershed through communication, advocacy, education and community involvement to benefit the members and all lake users.”  A huge thank you to Mike Kavros, owner of Callie Opie’s, for hosting the meeting. 

sue.biondi@lakeannavirginia.org