Newsletter articles

By Mark Debord – June 2025

Lake Anna and the surrounding area are blessed with an abundance of plant life. While many of these are beautiful and provide a number of benefits, some are highly toxic. A full description of poisonous plants at the lake would take several articles. Here, we focus on three. The first, Water Hemlock, is one of the most toxic plants in North America. The other two, Pokeweed and Elderberry, produce berries that may be mistaken, especially by children, of other foods that are safe to eat.  Each of these plants is native to Virginia and occurs throughout the Commonwealth, including here at Lake Anna.

Water Hemlock

As noted, Water Hemlock is one of the most toxic plants in North America. While it does not appear at first glance to be an attractive edible, some mistake it for other plants in the carrot family that have edible parts. However, all parts of the plant, especially the roots, are toxic. Ingesting the toxic plant can lead to seizures and even death in as little as 15 minutes.

Pokeweed

For those who have heard of “poke salad”, this is the origin of that term. Early spring shoots can be eaten, but only if prepared properly (I don’t recommend it). The rest of the plant can be toxic. Pokeweed blooms in Summer and produces a cluster of small berries that ripen in the Fall. Though these berries resemble grapes or blueberries, they are toxic to humans. Symptoms include nausea, convulsions, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Common Elderberry

Of the two types of Elderberry native to Virginia, Common Elderberry is the one we are more likely to see around Lake Anna. Common Elderberry produces small dark purple to almost black berries. All parts of the plant can be toxic, though the ripe berries can be eaten if cooked properly (know what you are doing before trying this). Elderberry plants are in bloom now and the berries will ripen in Summer.

For more information on these and other poisonous plants in Virginia, please see The Socrates Project, compiled by the Virginia Master Naturalist Program and the University of Virginia.

SOCRATES-PROJECT-Jan2021.pdf

mark.debord@lakeannavirginia.org

By David Reichert – June 2025

A prior article in the LACA Newsletter¹ described how shoreline plantings can absorb nutrients that are being washed into the lake. Floating islands effectively create additional area for what are normally shoreline plants in order to consume more nutrients. Another LACA Newsletter explained the correlation between high nutrient levels in the lake and HAB². LACA with support from Dominion Energy and DuPont have installed trial floating islands on the lake. The commercial floating islands cost about $1000 and the 1^st generation homemade islands cost under $100. The initial trials with these floating islands were a big success for the commercial islands, but the homemade islands didn’t hold up to boat wakes. LACA bought some more commercial floating islands, but what if we could increase the number of islands without the high cost?

Last summer, as the kids were running across our floating foam mat, a long tear opened as one of the boys stepped through the mat. The mat was no longer suitable as a play place, but what if it could be made to mimic the commercial floating islands? Some flexible glue, a box cutter, a hole saw, drill bits, some labor, and I had a floating island. The results can be seen in the photo below.

The commercial islands use a much higher density of planting holes, so we’ll incorporate that in our 3rd generation homemade floating island. What we need from you is your old foam mat. We’ll cut them so that we can stack them 4 high. Generation 2 used glue, but generation 3 will use stainless bolts, nuts and washers to hold the islands together. We’ll cut 3” diameter holes through 3 layers to hold the plants and the coconut coir that holds the plant in place. The last steps are to drill 5 each ½” holes through the bottom layer, add the plants and anchor the island offshore. We use stainless eye bolts as the anchor points for the island.

Now that you know how to make a floating island, you can either do it yourself or donate your mat to LACA and we’ll turn it into a floating island. In either case, LACA will provide plants for the island. Reach out to me by email (David.Reichert@lakeannavirginia.org) or phone (804-291-8495) if you have a mat to donate or need plants for your own island.

1 “Protecting Lake Anna’s Shoreline,” Lake Anna Civic Association - Protecting Lake Anna’s Shoreline

2“Update on the Phosphorus Remediation Program at Lake Anna,”Lake Anna Civic Association - Update on the Phosphorus Remediation Program at Lake Anna

david.reichert@lakeannavirginia.org

By John Wayne – June 2025

It would seem from the articles in the local papers and newsletters that development is all around our quiet and peaceful Lake.  As we head into the summer season, there are several developments, commercial, residential and leisure, continuing to come into view around Lake Anna.  I thought it would be interesting to piece this together as best I can through my own investigation and through the reporting of the new and growing local media outlets around the lake.

If you start with the Louisa side of the “New Bridge” the so called “Lake Anna Resort” is still a thing, or perhaps a bigger thing?  You will remember that the developer met with the Louisa Board of Supervisors early this year and ended up withdrawing, for now,  his request to expand the number of smaller condo units and thereby the total number of condos, while offering what was considered by the Board of Supervisors to be a “paltry” proffer of funds to the Fluvanna/Louisa Housing and Lake Anna Emergency foundations.  The request was pulled back during the meeting and prior to a vote so that the developer can work within the system to see if he can produce a plan that is able to gain approval. Meanwhile, there has been no outward appearance of progress for this development.

Continuing west about a half mile, 15 acres of land fronting 208 on the south side near Station 8 is expected to become a commercial development, housing professional service providers, and other businesses.  This tract is being developed by the M Group, who are making a splash in the area through local media blurbs and meetings with various constituencies.  One stated goal is to bring some form of healthcare closer to the lake.  They would prefer a Free-Standing ER over an Urgent Care facility however the demographics of our area are making this a difficult proposition.  We will see what types of professional services they can attract to this development as it progresses.

On the private side down Kentucky Springs Road there continues to be residential development activity on the private side at Rock Island Landing part II which will turn 137 acres of land into a 74 lot waterfront subdivision on the private side of the lake off Elk Creek Road.

Looping back towards Wares Crossroads on 208, Cutalong continues to move forward, gaining the support of County officials for their continued changes, including taking their road system and the entire community private, as in a gated community, and continued plans for over 800 housing units of varying sizes, shapes and functions.  The long-awaited Clubhouse is expected to be completed in July and there is a rumor that another golf course is coming within the next couple of years.  The stated goal they are pursuing is a premier destination resort at Lake Anna.

Moving to Wares Crossroads, there are two, perhaps three commercial developments underway.  Roundabout Plaza is taking shape with a groundbreaking ceremony held in January.  This retail, food, and sports complex of approximately 30,000 sq ft. is expected to house the Lazy Parrot sports bar, a Gym, the Mad Batter from Mineral, and perhaps others.  On both sides of Mansfield Road and past the roundabout across from Dickinson’s store, land making up what has been dubbed the Lake Anna Gateway is reported to have been sold to a “local development family” who intends to bring the long-awaited next grocery store, casual dining and other desired services to the area.  This land has also been cleared of trees in the past two months.  On the opposite side of the Louisa Transfer Station, where the other trees are missing, there are rumors of another commercial/services store front coming.

Heading north on 522 and into Spotsy, Dollar General is adding another store at the southeast corner of 522 and Monrovia Road.  The building has gone up at lightning speed, and I will be surprised if it is not open for business sometime this summer.  A bit further east down Monrovia Road (612), there remains the uncompleted development of Goodwin Cove which the late David Hunter had planned.  Rumor is that another developer is working to take over and complete this, and perhaps other uncompleted Hunter projects around the lake.  This development is slated for 35 homes.

Across the 522 bridge, into Orange County, but still in Spotsy, I do expect a residential development on what has been called the Hayden property.  Having been around twice with Spotsylvania County on different plans for this land, it now seems it will be developed in accordance with the “by right” limitations of the current zoning which is 12 residential houses.  No word on timing or exactly what this will look like.

Heading back around Days Bridge Road, off 719, in the headwaters area of Plentiful Creek, there is a small development planned for two parcels of land.  Under the current zoning designations for both parcels of land the yield of "by right" lots able to be subdivided is 16.  The developer desires to subdivide the smaller of the two parcels into 16 waterfront lots, donating most of the other parcel to the County to be added to Jett Park, with road access to the new subdivision off 719 on the north side of the expanded Jett Park.  This plan is in the initial stages, having held the required Community meeting in February 2025. While this area of the County generally requires residential lots to be a minimum of two acres, the developer is maneuvering to take advantage of the “lakeside exception” permitting the placement of houses on as little as one acre of land at the waterfront.

Continuing around on the Spotsylvania side of the lake in the “208 corridor” the rumors surrounding the Hairfield property continue to swirl.  Originally submitted to the County early in 2023, I expect the last application including three parcels of land totaling 238 acres to be withdrawn while work continues on a new application. Included in the new application will likely be the parcels formerly identified in the Towns at Point Seanna application, which was never approved.  You may recall that the “Town’s” application, filed by the late David Hunter to develop the point across from Anna Point Marina with commercial and town house residential development, had stalled.  Now this property may be destined to be added to the commercial development in the next Hairfield submission.  Sources within the County indicate they expect an entirely new submission package for the rezoning of the total development.  I expect the residential development to remain single family detached under the PDH-1 zoning, permitting houses on one acre lots.  The commercial development could be far more extensive with the additional parcel and the attractive options that come with waterfront.  This will essentially place the Hairfield application back at square one with a new zoning application and GDP that will outline the development in its entirety.

The Lake Anna region is clearly ripe with development.  This is not the totality of development around the lake but a good sampling.  The governing bodies in both Louisa and Spotsylvania counties have a desire for commercial development in what they refer to as the Lake Anna Corridor, Rt. 208, on both sides of the bridge.  LACA encourages you to be active with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors of these two counties, letting them know your thoughts on future development in our growing area. Continue to watch our website, https://lakeannavirginia.org for details on these and other developments around the lake.  Also, there is only one of me, so if there is a Land Use issue that you are concerned about that I have not mentioned here, please send me an email at john.wayne@lakeannavirginia.org, and I will look in to it.

By Barbara Coe and Valerie Bagby – June 2025

Short Term Rentals (STR’s) continue to be a hot topic at Lake Anna.  Quality of Life is important to both full and part-time residents.  Many citizens remain concerned about overcrowded STR’s taxing septic systems.

In May 2025, Louisa County sent letters to registered STR owners and operators reminding them of the STR ordinance and requirements for operation under County and State laws.  STR owners and operators are responsible for compliance and for ensuring that renters are aware of the relevant requirements.

To manage this process, Louisa County just instituted getting monthly call logs from the sheriff’s office to track complaints.  If there is a complaint lodged against an STR, owners and operators will receive a letter citing the applicable county rules that were alleged to be violated.

Citizen complaints about STRs renting beyond their occupancy capacity, as determined by the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) septic system regulations, will also receive a letter.  Additionally, these complaints will be sent to VDH.

Per the Louisa County letter, “Please ensure compliance with all relevant requirements.  Noncompliant properties will not be able to operate as short-term rentals without a Conditional Use Permit from the Louisa County’s Board of Supervisors.”

Here are important Louisa County links that can help citizens.

• STR background information Short-Term Rental Ordinance | Louisa County, VA
• STR Ordinance DIVISION 4. - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | Code of Ordinances | Louisa County, VA | Municode Library
• STR Neighbor FAQ’s STR Neighbor FAQs | Louisa County, VA

There are 4 ways citizens can report a potential code violation 

• RequestTracker • Louisa County, VA • CivicEngage
• Email the Community Development Department’s Code Enforcement Division at CodeEnforcement@Louisa.org.
• Phone 540-967-3430 to reach the Office of Community Development.
• Submit an anonymous complaint through the Louisa County website at louisacounty.gov/3302/Anonymous-Concern. NOTE: Do not log into the website when submitting the form if you wish to remain anonymous in this process.

We respect LACA’s position as NOT opposing Short Term Rentals, but as advocating for stated and practical occupancy limits for environmental and safety reasons.

The authors of this letter and LACA encourage you to let your voice be heard regarding your experiences with STR’s in your neighborhood!

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by two LACA members that are not on the board, Valerie Bagby and Barbara Coe. All LACA members are encouraged to submit interesting and relevant articles for consideration of publication in LACA’s periodic newsletter. If you would like to submit an article for consideration, please email your article to jd.edwards@lakeannavirginia.org

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