Newsletter articles

By Greg Baker – November 2021

The Lake Anna Civic Association dues have been a modest $15 per year with multi-year discounts available since the beginning of the organization approximately thirty years ago.  Many things have changed since LACA was founded way back in 1992.  The Dow Jones was in the low 3000s, a first-class stamp was 29 cents, a gallon of gas was $1.13, a dozen eggs could be had for under a dollar and a gallon of milk was $2.78.  In late 2021, the Dow is over 35 thousand, up tenfold, stamps are now 58 cents, a gallon of milk will set you back $3.53, gas has tripled to over $3 a gallon, and that dozen eggs will cost about two bucks.  Inflation stinks!

Surprisingly, the main source of LACA’s revenue each year is not your annual dues, but rather donations made to our spectacular annual fireworks program. However, those donations are restricted and are used exclusively for their stated purpose.  (Please note that none of the LACA’s budget is used to subsidize our fireworks show.  It is 100% funded from these donations.)

The second largest source of income to LACA is a couple of very important grants that we have received annually from Spotsylvania County and Virginia DEQ.  These grants are restricted and are solely for LACA’s water quality program.

It is worth adding, that Louisa County has not funded the LACA Water Quality program for the past several years.  Our understanding is that the Louisa County Board of Supervisors felt we had too much money in reserves and have indicated that they would be open to funding us in the future once those excess funds have been reduced.

Finally, our annual dues and donations from the community make up the rest of our revenue stream.  We run a very tight ship and have made changes in modernizing LACA over the past couple of years.  We have cut thousands of dollars in expenses by moving our newsletter to an electronic version.  Prior to this modernization, our newsletter was one of the largest expense line items.

The biggest change to our expenses has been in our Water Quality Program.  We have increased the testing that LACA does both in frequency and scope.  Our team has invested in equipment that can help identify Harmful Algae Booms and the Toxins they produce.  The Water Quality Program is one of LACA’s most important core programs and is critical to the well-being of the lake.

For context, our annual Water Quality budget is now over $40,000 per year and we currently receive approximately $12,000 per year from our two grants.  We have subsidized the program over the last several years and have significantly dipped into our reserves.  We clearly must close the financial gap if we are to continue this important effort especially with the fourth year of no swim advisories on Lake Anna.

To close this gap, LACA’s board has voted to increase the annual dues for the first time in 30 years.  We also intend to request an increase to our grant application to Spotsylvania County and ask Louisa County to start funding our efforts again.  We plan to start a more proactive fund-raising effort with our membership base.  LACA is a 501c(3) organization and donations to our water quality program are fully tax deductible.  We have also initiated a “Drive to 1000” membership drive with the opportunity to win gift cards to local businesses if you refer new members.  You can read about this initiative here.

Starting in 2022 after thirty years of keeping the annual dues stable, your LACA board has voted to modestly increase our dues as follows:

1 Year Membership $25, 2 Year Membership $45,3 Year Membership $60

It is not too late to lock in and extend your membership under the current rates until the end of 2021. You can extend your membership up to another three years from the current expiration date by clicking here.

We ask that our members consider making an annual voluntary charitable donation to support all of the work we do. From the water quality program to the monitoring of development around the lake to the safety maps and yellow emergency signs, and of course hosting the annual fireworks celebration, LACA does so much with so little. Please consider a donation which can easily be made by clicking here.

Finally, please consider setting up and using Amazon Smile. I continue to be amazed at how many people shop using Amazon, but are unaware of Amazon Smile. By simply going to smile.amazon.com instead of the regular Amazon site, Amazon will donate .5% of eligible purchases to you to your favorite charity. (Amazon does not charge extra for this benefit.)

We ask you to consider setting LACA as your default charity. It does not sound like much, but think of all of those Amazon deliveries helping fight HAB on Lake Anna. It adds up!  And if you have a different charity in mind, by all means set them up, but please do not let this fabulous opportunity to give back go to waste. Remember, purchases through Amazon.com or through the app does not get the donation. You can always use the app and add purchased to your cart, but do NOT press the buy button. Instead, open a web browser and go to smile.amazon.com and Amazon will remember your cart.

greg.baker@lakeannavirginia.org

By Rick Nehrboss – September 2021

Thanks to the 504 members who completed our recent membership survey!  We were really pleased with the response since we had sent out 967 invitations.  This year we were up from the 360 responses we received in the 2019 survey.  Unfortunately many of you missed our presentation at the annual meeting so we wanted to provide some brief highlights on the results.  The survey was organized roughly along committee structures so the following are some observations from each section.

When it comes to Water Quality, most of you used the LACA Website and LACA eGram (64% and 61%) to get your information on E. coli bacteria levels, cyanobacteria activities and water quality research and analysis.  Seventy percent suggested SMS text.  Eighty-seven percent said our research and analysis did impact swimming and boating decisions.  An overwhelming majority approved of LAAC’s (Lake Anna Advisory Committee) use of DEQ approved herbicides to control hydrilla (86%) and use of sterile carp (91%).

When it comes to Environmental Protection, over half of our members do NOT know of our recommendations on what we can do to mitigate Hazardous Algae Bloom (HAB).  You can expect more information on what steps homeowners can do to mitigate HAB and the service provided by Soil and Water Conservation Districts for homeowner projects to reduce rainstorm runoff.

Under the topic of Emergency Services and Safety, strong majorities believe we should support common sense requirements around wake surfing with 100/200-foot setbacks, limiting wake surfing to large sections of the lake and additional no-wake surfing zones.  In addition, close to 100 members were interested in purchasing 911 dock signs. Online store product

Given all the interest in the Four Seasons Luxury RV Park and other Land Use projects, almost 90% of our members think we should be involved in land use decisions.  When it comes to the types of business our members would like to see, Urgent Care and additional casual restaurants rated the highest with fast food among the lowest.

Under the Marketing and Membership section, 94% would support an increase in membership dues given a contribution to HAB research and remediation.  Our membership overwhelmingly supports (87%) a new category of membership for Homeowner Association (HOA) Presidents and a way to communicate with the lake community.  In addition, 394 responders were HOA members.

Our last section contained general questions pertaining to the annual meeting, fireworks and general comments.  Ninety-one percent believe we present the right amount of information at our annual meeting and most people contribute to the fireworks when they attend with some extra donations.  The last question captured 75 comments on a wide variety of topics.

The Board of Directors has begun the process of creating an Action Plan based upon the survey results.  Each question has been assigned to the Committee Lead or another individual to review, analyze and summarize the results and recommend specific actions with a suggested implementation date. 

The Board will convene a separate meeting to review all the actions for approval and implementation and monitor progress at our monthly meetings.  You can expect to see responses soon because of all the survey responses.  Again, membership feedback is extremely valuable and we are determined to implement your suggestions! Thanks again to those who completed our survey!

Rick Nehrboss

rick.nehrboss@lakeannavirginia.org

Brokenburg Regional Director

By Sue Biondi – September 2021

Whether you’re having fun in the warm weather of summer or sitting by the fire watching the snow fall in the winter, as soon as you venture outside, you need to be aware of circumstances that can affect your health and safety.  I am writing a series of articles each month that will pertain to various situations related to the time of year and how you can prevent common problems that are present in everyday life that may harm you or your loved ones. 

This information is offered in a nursing continuing education booklet, EliteCME.com/nursing.  As a registered nurse, I thought it would benefit members of the Lake Anna Civic Association as well as the community.  Although we are near the end of the summer season, a few months remain where boating, swimming and other warm weather outdoor activities will continue, and where increased temperatures may continue and have an adverse effect on the body.

The first concern is hyperthermia.  Outdoor exercising, whether walking, running or bicycling, causes the muscles to heat and perspiration to begin.  As the body heats, blood moves to the skin surface in an attempt to cool itself.  Drawing blood away from the main circulation reduces blood supply to the heart, brain and other vital organs.  This can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness and dehydration.  In the case of heat cramps, potassium and magnesium are lost in perspiration, causing muscles to cramp.  An easy remedy is to stop the exercise, cool down and drink water or sport drinks to replenish lost electrolytes. 

Heat exhaustion is an advanced form of heat related problems that may lead to altered circulation and brain function.  In this case, a person should be moved to a cool environment, and be offered water or sport drinks until the body temperature lowers too normal.  Both situations can lead to heat stroke.  This is where a person’s temperature reaches 104 degrees or above, becomes disoriented, and may have nausea and vomiting, rapid pulse, headache and confusion.  This is a medical emergency and requires calling 911, as the person will need immediate professional intervention in a hospital setting.

Preventing heat related problems is fairly easy.  Exercise early in the day, drink plenty of water or sport drinks, avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine that may cause further fluid loss and increase heart rate, and wear loose fitting clothing.  Also, if you become aware of any heat-related symptoms, consider stopping the activity and taking appropriate action as described above.

Another concern in the lake environment is spinal cord injury (SCI).  Whether jumping off a local bridge, swinging from a tree swing, or diving off a dock, the potential for SCI is present.  Statistics reveal that 80% of SCIs are males between the ages of 16 and 30.  SCIs affect about 17,000 people in the United States annually.  The severity of the injury depends on whether the spinal cord is partially or totally severed and the location of the injury on the cord, whether high near the neck or low near the waist and lower. 

If an SCI is suspected, some symptoms are pain in the neck or back, inability to move arms or legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control.  The first action is to call 911, then immobilize the person as much as possible by supporting the neck and holding the head still.  If the person cannot breathe, indicating an injury high in the neck area, CPR or mouth to mouth breathing must be initiated until medics arrive.

With more knowledge about the signs and symptoms of common outdoor hazards, persons experiencing problems have a better chance of recovery and returning to good health with the proper early intervention.

If you would like more in-depth information about anything stated in this article, please contact me at sue.biondi@lakeannavirginia.org.  Look for information on how to prevent other injuries or illness, including Lyme’s disease, snake bites, or allergies to plants and insects in next month’s newsletter.  Stay tuned.

Sue Biondi

sue.biondi@lakeannavirginia.org

By John Crowe - September 2021

It is always a game changer when you get in your boat and head out onto the lake.  It seems like the stresses of the day and all your cares are left behind.  It’s just you, your compatriots, and the lake, ready to enjoy whatever activity you are pursuing.  Whether it is Fishing, Kayaking, Sailing, Powerboating, Watersports or just hanging out, that singular commonality is having a great time on the lake.

To make this possible for everyone with whom we share our beautiful Lake Anna, there are some simple and straightforward guidelines of etiquette which are easily followed but often forgotten.

If you are doing something at the expense of others a change is needed:

Everyone has their own ways of having fun on the lake, and that can generally be accommodated without a problem.  If it is safe, doesn’t cause harm, and doesn’t hamper other people’s ability to have a good time it is probably O.K.  This requires a conscious effort to assess what you are doing and how it may affect other people and property.

Think about where you are on the lake, what type of activities are being undertaken in the area and how your activity may fit, or not fit with other activities in the area.  For instance, if you consider an area where many people are hanging out anchored, beached, swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, congregating on the shorelines and chilling on their docks, this might not be where you should be wake-surfing, blasting music, or racing about back and forth on high powered (and loud) watercraft.  The wake disturbance, noise and chaotic watercraft traffic can create hazards and will surely significantly detract from the potential for everyone around who is also trying to have a great day on the lake.  These more sedentary activities are not portable, but powerboat activities are, so you should think about moving away from these areas and seek more open water where you can enjoy your favorite activity, without doing it at the expense of others.

In addition to the people and activities, consider the affect your chosen activity may have on the lake, it’s shorelines and the many structures built into the lake.  Powerboats all have wakes, the bigger the more impactful.  The closer you are to a shoreline or a structure, the greater impact your activity will have.  “Shredding” the same shoreline or cove repeatedly will do exactly that to the shoreline.  The damage wakes can do to the shorelines can be seen all around the lake and has impacted homeowner properties and undeveloped areas as well.  Wakes dissipate and get smaller over distance.  The further from structures and shorelines these activities can be done the better.  The popularity of wake surfing has brought this issue to the forefront in recent years.  By design wake surfing requires very large wakes with specialized boats to create them.  Those who are choosing this as their preferred activity should take extra precautions to ensure they minimize the impact these extraordinary wakes have on the shorelines and structures.  These wakes should never be generated near shores, structures, other boats, or people.  Move to open water away from shorelines and other boats so your wakes have time to shrink before coming ashore or swamping other boats or swimmers!

Be courteous and give way to others

There are no marked lanes or traffic control signs or signals to manage traffic on the lake.  There are no laws governing right of way as there are on our roads and traffic management is left to the boaters to manage themselves.  While the controls and laws are absent, the protocols and priorities do exist, and we all need to remain conscious that it is up to each of us to know the “rules of the road” (lake), and “collaborate to cooperate” to have a safe and pleasant boating experience.  Let’s keep “road rage” off the lake!

Here are some rules to live by to “give way” or let them go by, altering your course or speed:

• Powerboats should always give way to non-power boats

Sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.

Steer clear and minimize wake impacts

• Always give way to a boat towing a person (tubing, skiing, surfing)

Do not cut in front of and do not follow closely

• Keep your distance from other boats and avoid erratic course changes

Keeping a steady course helps other boaters know your intention

• Moderate you speed to match your environment/location

Too fast through crowded areas is dangerous

Try to match the traffic flow

• Complete your required boater safety certification to operate a boat, it’s the law

“Rules of the road” are given in detail for safe and courteous boating

• If another vessel is approaching you from the port — or left — side of your boat, you have the right of way and should maintain your speed and direction.
• If a vessel is aiming to cross your path and they're on your starboard — or right — side, they have the right of way

A little courtesy goes a long way on the lake.  Slowing down to let a boat pass or altering your course to contribute to safe and courteous traffic flow will not hamper your ability to enjoy your day on the lake.  It is a responsibility we all share: to work together and respect each other and the lake we cherish.

So, remember, each of us must do our part to ensure we can all enjoy the lake, entertain our chosen activities, and do so in a safe and courteous manner while minimizing impacts of our behavior on the lake and on each other.  Follow the Golden Rule!

john.crowe@lakeannavirginia.org

By Greg Baker – August 2021

Lake Anna Civic Association hosted our 2021 annual meeting on July 31, 2021 at Dominion Energy’s North Anna Nuclear Information Center. We had approximately 80 members attend in person and another 30 plus attend virtually via Zoom. For those of you that missed the event, you may watch a recording of the meeting on the LACA YouTube channel by clicking here.

The meeting kicked off with the announcement of the winners of the most recent board elections. John Crowe won an uncontested race for Regional Director in the Partlow District and David Silverman won a tight race for Regional Director in the Belmont District.

Our guest speaker, Dr. David Schmale made a terrific presentation regarding Harmful Algae Blooms. Dr. Schmale is the head of the Schmale Laboratory at Virginia Tech and world-renowned expert on Harmful Algae Blooms. I would highly encourage you to watch this portion of the recorded meeting above. His presentation begins at approximately the 8:00 minute mark.

Guest Speaker-Dr. Schmale

Some of the highlights of Dr. Schmale’s presentation:

•        Highlights of Dr. Schmale’s recent research trip to New Zealand.
•        Explanation of Harmful Algae Blooms/Algae Toxins and their  impacts.

•        New Tools/Robots used to study HABs.
•        Research on lakes in Ohio on Lake Erie and Grand Lake St. Marys
•        How LACA contacted and asked Dr. Schmale to devote resources to the HAB problem that we are experiencing on Lake Anna.
•        Photos and Videos of HAB testing on Lake Anna.
•        Citizen Testing supplies announcement.
•        Toxins impacts to various parts of the body.

•        Comparisons of Lake Anna Toxins to Lake Erie or Grand Lake St. Mary. “Not all lakes are created equal”
•        Lake Anna has high Phosphorus and low Nitrogen.
•        Q&A

Dr. Schmale’s presentation was fascinating and worth taking the time to watch. The biggest take away was that Lake Anna while in the recent past has been under no-swim advisories, our lake has very low measurable toxins. The biggest risk is that if we do not address these issues, that the lake could turn into something much worse like the lakes in Ohio that Dr. Schmale has studied.

After the guest speaker, the members approved the 2020 annual meeting minutes prepared by Sue Biondi and our Treasurer, Al Bennett presented our Financial Report. Our Vice-president, Joe Bailey presented to the membership changes that the board has made to the LACA By-laws.

Regional Director Rick Nehrboss highlighted the findings from our most recent biennial survey. Rick will be writing a more thorough article on the survey findings for a future newsletter, but in advance of that article, you may see his PowerPoint presentation here.

Each of our committee chairs made a report on the activities of their committees over the past fiscal year. I encourage you to watch this section of the annual meeting starting at the 1 hour and 32-minute mark of the recording to hear about all of the activities of our dedicated volunteers. It is a remarkable number of accomplishments over the past year.

Irene Luck, our chair of our Membership and Marketing committee updated the membership on our Drive to 1000 membership campaign. She then presented the Jack Bertron Award to Elk Creek Farm. The owners of the Elk Creek farm have put in over 6 miles of fencing to keep their cattle out of the Lake Anna watershed and are a fine example of how farmers can make a significant impact to the water quality of not only Lake Anna but the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. You can read about their efforts in a recent Central Virginian article here.

The annual meeting ended with a member forum where our members were able to ask questions of our board and guest speaker. I would encourage you to mark your calendars for next year’s annual meeting. It is tentatively scheduled for July 30, 2022.

Greg Baker  greg.baker@lakeannavirginia.org

By Marilyn J. Greene – August 2021

Lake Anna residents share the beauty of our area with boaters, campers, diners, wakeboarders, skiers and sportsmen.  But our cohabitants also include creatures of the natural world; namely fish, mammals and reptiles, including snakes.

Among Virginia’s 32 native snakes, three are venomous: rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads.

The Eastern Copperhead -- Agkistrodon contortrix – is the least venomous and among the most numerous. It is identifiable by its pinkish or coppery color and by an hourglass-shaped pattern on the skin.  According to the Virginia Herpetological Society, the scientific name derives from the Greek word ancistron (fishhook) in reference to its curved fangs; and from the Latin word contours (twisted), referring to the skin pattern.

Warm weather draws out our snake population.  Peak copperhead season runs roughly from May to October.

Generally, even venomous snakes avoid contact with people, but may respond by attacking if disturbed.  If you come upon a copperhead, leave it.  “Do not try to dispatch it yourself … it is illegal in the State of Virginia to kill a snake,” says Rich Perry, owner of Virginia Wildlife Management and Control in Chesterfield.

If you are bitten, Perry says, “you are not going to die. Bites are painful but not fatal; but go to a doctor.”

Avoid encounters by steering clear of copperhead hangouts:  tall grass, lakeshore rock walls, damp and brushy areas.

Copperheads might be scary, but they have a legitimate place in the cycle of nature and lake life: According to the Herpetological Society “Copperheads play a pivotal role in controlling rodent populations.  Without copperheads and other rodent eating snakes there would be a drastic increase in crop/food damage and rodent-spread diseases.  

While copperheads are venomous, they are very placid snakes that only bite if stepped on or otherwise threatened.  If you see a copperhead, leave it alone and rest assured it will do its best to avoid you.”

Experts note that while snake sightings might seem dramatic, they are not unusual and are no reason for panic or fear of a copperhead population explosion.

“Copperheads are found statewide, but there is no indication their numbers are increasing,” says State Herpetologist John Kleopfer.  “I get this question multiple times a year and its pretty much folklore.  Much like sharks, any time a copperhead is sighted the response is that the area is infested”.  

As such, many harmless snakes are unnecessarily killed because they are misidentified as copperheads.

If your pet is bitten by a copperhead

Pets, especially dogs, are curious about movements in the grass or brush and can get into trouble if they pursue a venomous snake.

If you and your dog are out walking, keep him on a cleared path and out of brushy areas.  At home, keep grass mowed and keep brush and woodpiles down in your pet’s roaming range.  If despite precautions he happens to be bitten, take immediate action.

Be prepared in advance for such a situation by taking note of the nearest emergency pet clinic and confirming that it has anti-venom medication on hand.  The first thing to do if your dog is bitten is to call that emergency vet – and stay calm.

Your agitation is contagious and can make matters worse for Fido.  Anxiety and stress can increase his blood flow and thus speed distribution of the venom.

Carry the dog to the car rather than have him walk – another way to slow blood and poison circulation.

Look for symptoms, including lethargy, drooling, swelling and inflammation at the site.

Diphenhydramine (Benedryl), an antihistamine, can help reduce symptoms but is not a treatment for the venom nor a substitute for a vet visit.  According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of Benedryl per kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound.

Emergency veterinary services:

Lake Anna Veterinary Hospital

Phone: (540) 894-4572
11012 Kentucky Springs Road,
Mineral, VA 23117
Mon/Thur 7:30am-7:30pm
Tues/Wed/Fri 7:30am-6:00pm
Sat 8:30am-12:30pm | Sunday: Closed

Outside of regular office hours, call one of the following 24-hour veterinary clinics:

Richmond
Blue Pearl Pet Hospital
5918 West Broad Street
Richmond Virginia 23230
804-716-4700 (For Emergencies)
www.dvesc.com

Veterinary Referral and Critical Care
1596 Hockett Road
Manakin-Sabot, Virginia 23103
804-784-8722
www.vrccvet.com

Fredericksburg
Central Animal and Referral Emergency Hospital
1301 Central Park Boulevard
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
540-372-3470  https://virginiaveterinarycenters.com/

Charlottesville
Greenbrier Emergency Animal Hospital
370 Greenbrier Dr., Suite A-2
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-202-1616
www.greenbrier-emergency.com

Additional Resources:

èHow to identify a baby copperhead:

https://happyserpent.com/snake-information/how-to-identify-a-baby-copperhead-snake/#more-2927

èWhat to do if your dog is bitten by a copperhead:

https://www.fitbark.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-dog-is-bitten-by-a-copperhead-snake/

è Information about snakes in Virginia (thanks to John (J.D.) Kleopfer, State Herpetologist, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources)

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/venomous-look-a-likes/copperhead-look-a-likes/copperhead.html

https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/snakes/copperhead/copperhead.php

https://www.wildlifecenter.org/snakes-neighbors

Marilyn J. Greene    MGLadybug@yahoo.com

By Irene Luck – August 2021

Celebrating the Fourth of July holiday this year was about more than just our independence from England, it was about reemerging from over a year of isolation and restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Lake Anna Civic Association’s fireworks show on Saturday, July 3 brought out more spectators than in the past few years as more boats gathered around the viewing area on both sides of Dike II according to reports from those patrolling the area.

It was also one of the best years financially as contributions exceeded our $30,000 goal by nearly 23%.  Over 550 donations from individuals, property owner associations, and businesses were received with nearly 200 of them at the $100 or above level giving the fund a total of $36,815 in contributions.

The annual fireworks show is funded entirely with contributions from the community and relies on the current year’s donations to pay for the next year’s show.  The 2021 donations will determine the scope of the shoot for 2022 as the payments for the pyrotechnics are due prior to soliciting funds each year.

Mike May and Craig DiSesa chair the fireworks committee and have a cadre of committed volunteers who assist in staging the show.  But, unlike an individual homeowner who purchases fireworks and then shoots them off for family and friends, there is an extensive amount of planning and coordinating that goes into the LACA shoot.

May and DiSesa meet with Louisa County law enforcement and fire and EMS officials and Dominion Energy representatives to establish a safety plan and determine who will be on stand-by on Dike II in case of an emergency.  They must also receive approval from Dominion Energy to use the Dike as the base of operations.  The pair also coordinate with Zambelli International on the show itself – the types and sizes of fireworks, the number and size of canisters necessary to hold the pyrotechnics and other details.  May also arranges for the solicitation letters to be prepared and mailed each year.

But the real work begins early on the day of the shoot.  Because of the number of canisters that need to be prepared, a determination must be made by noon on whether the show will go on.  The committee looks at the weather conditions and decides if the show can be staged.  In LACA’s nearly 30 years of hosting the fireworks show, it has only been postponed until the next Saturday one year.  A couple of years the show was late starting because of thunderstorms, but it did go off.

Once the decision is made, a group of volunteers led by Ken Sadel begin the long, hot process of arranging the canisters for the shoot and then pack each individual one with the materials necessary for the desired effect.  Each canister is also wired for ignition in the order of the shoot – kind of like setting up dominoes so they fall in the pattern you want.  After all the tubes are arranged and filled, the team waits on the Dike until dark for showtime.  And, at the end, they must pick up all the debris, retrieve the canisters which are used from year to year and make sure all sparks are out before they can then head home for some rest.

So, next year, when you are sitting on your boat, or dock if you are close enough, enjoying the beautiful display remember those who have contributed to fund the show and those who have graciously volunteered to give up their holiday Saturday to bring you this spectacular event.

Each year’s show is staged on the Saturday closest to the holiday so next year’s shoot is tentatively planned for Saturday, July 2, 2022.  Contributions may be made at any time on our website at www.lakeannavirginia.org and donors are listed each year under the fireworks tab as a thank you for your support.

Irene Luck  irene.luck@lakeannavirginia.org

By Maureen Daniels – July 2021

The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) would like boaters to know that there are new engine cutoff device wear requirements for recreational boat operators as part of the January 1, 2021 passage of National Defense Authorization Act that included a U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization. These devices, commonly referred to as engine cutoff switches (ECOS), are designed to prevent a boat-strike injury if an operator is accidentally ejected overboard while underway.

The new law applies to all federally navigable waterways (those waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and/or are presently used, or have been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use to transport interstate or foreign commerce) and will be enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Engine cutoff devices can be located at the helm of the boat or on the tiller or body of an outboard engine and typically connect a boat’s operator to the cutoff switch with a lanyard. Some ECOS devices eliminate the lanyard and rely on wireless proximity devices to shut down an engine if the operator goes overboard. 

Effective April 1, 2021, the new law requires a vessel operator to use either a helm or outboard lanyard or wireless ECOS on certain vessels less than 26 feet when traveling on plane or above displacement speed. These vessels include (1) boats that have a functioning engine cutoff device installed at the helm or on an outboard engine or have wireless ECOS, or (2) boats manufactured beginning January 2020.

Boaters are encouraged to check the U.S. Coast Guard website at https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php for additional information on this new use requirement and other safety regulations and recommendations.

ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Maureen Daniels  

mo.daniels@lakeannavirginia.org

By Harry Looney – July 2021

Did you know that the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) sponsors a Swim Healthy, Stay Healthy campaign every recreational season?  As part of this program, VDH provides web-based resources covering a wide range of summer recreational activities.  You can find these resources here:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/blog/2018/06/01/swim-healthy-stay-healthy/.  These web pages are loaded with information about beach monitoring conducted by state agencies, safe swimming, recreational water illnesses and harmful algae blooms (HABs). 

There are also many fact sheets on health-related issues and diseases.  The VDH fact sheet on HABs is provided at the end of this newsletter for informational purposes.  Please use this web link to get to the VDH fact sheet listing:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/epidemiology-fact-sheets/.

HABs are of primary interest to LACA and many Lake Anna residents because it impacts them directly.  VDH issued a swim advisory on June 30th for the entire upper Pamunkey Creek area due to the highest cyanobacteria cell counts LACA has seen since 2018.  The VDH web page for reporting a HAB is something you should keep handy if you live in an area that is prone to algae issues.  The VDH web page for reporting a HAB is at this link:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/waterborne-hazards-control/harmful-algal-bloom-online-report-form/. 

VDH also maintains an online algal bloom surveillance map for the entire state.  The VDH webpage is at this link:  https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/waterborne-hazards-control/algal-bloom-surveillance-map/.

LACA is closely monitoring conditions in the upper Pamunkey Creek area and we are dedicating many resources to the entire upper lake area north of the 208 bridge but we need your help in this monitoring campaign.  If you see an algae bloom, please notify the LACA Water Quality team by e-mailing Harry Looney at harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org.  Please provide your address, date, and time you saw the bloom, and let me know if it is okay to come on your property to gather water samples.  A picture of the bloom is always helpful. 

In addition to notifying LACA, we ask that you also submit a report to VDH using the web link provided above.  The VDH form asks for information about where the algae is located and it really helps if you can provide the latitude and longitude of the location and a photo of the scum or algae bloom.  Provide a perspective image so VDH has a good feel for the extent of the scum on the surface.  A good example image that will help both VDH and LACA in our assessments is this image from a bloom on Pamunkey Creek.  You can obtain the latitude and longitude of the location using Google maps on your PC or laptop or LACA can provide the latitude and longitude if you let us know that you need our help doing that.  We will get the coordinates based on your street address and a description of where you saw the scum on the surface.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Fact Sheet October 2018

What are harmful algal blooms?

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) which may or may not produce toxins. Cyanobacteria are common single-celled organisms that naturally exist in fresh waters, such as lakes and ponds, or slightly saline waters such as tidal rivers and estuaries (brackish water). The cyanobacteria utilize sunlight and nutrients from the water to grow and multiply. When there are too many nutrients in the water, the bacteria can grow rapidly or “bloom”. Blooms may turn the water a green, red, or brownish color. Blooms may also form a visible scum on the water surface, similar to the look of spilled paint. Blooms are more likely to occur in hot summer months.

What effects do harmful algal blooms have on humans?

Most cyanobacteria species are not able to produce toxin. Some species can produce one or more types of toxins such as neurotoxins (nerve toxins) or hepatotoxins (liver toxins) during blooms which may be harmful to humans or aquatic life. People may become exposed to cyanobacteria toxins in three ways: swallowing bloom water, direct skin contact, and breathing aerosolized toxins that are in the air.

What are the symptoms of harmful algal bloom exposures?

If water containing cyanobacteria toxin is swallowed, common gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. If there is direct contact with cyanobacteria toxin, skin and eye irritation may result, along with tingling or numbness of the lips, fingers and toes, and dizziness. Respiratory irritation may include coughing or wheezing. Long-term exposure to cyanobacteria toxins may result in liver damage or other chronic health effects.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

Symptoms of a neurotoxin HAB exposure may appear within 15-20 minutes while symptoms of a hepatotoxin HAB exposure may take hours or several days to appear. Telling your health care practitioner about contact with water may help him/her treat the illness properly.

What effects do harmful algal blooms have on animals and fish?

Mammals and birds exposed to cyanobacteria toxins may become ill or die. As other bacteria in the water break-down dead cyanobacteria, the dissolved oxygen in the water may become depleted, which may cause a fish kill. Cyanobacteria bloom toxins at high concentrations can be directly harmful to fish and may cause fish kills as well. Dense bacterial blooms in the water column will block out sunlight necessary to other organisms to survive. Wildlife, pets, and livestock are also prone to exposure by wading and drinking bloom water. A small amount of toxin can cause illness to small animals if ingested.

Is it safe to eat seafood from waters with cyanobacteria blooms?

Internal organs (innards) of fish and crabs caught in bloom waters may be contaminated and, therefore, should not be consumed. It is safe to consume fish filets that appear healthy when caught in bloom waters, providing you carefully clean the fish, discarding all guts and the carcass, thoroughly cook the fish fillet, and wash hands and surfaces with fresh, soapy water afterward. In waters with persistent, reoccurring blooms where toxin levels are high, consumption may not be advised.

How do I protect myself from the effects of harmful algal blooms?

• Observe signage indicating a harmful algal bloom is present and avoid contact with the water when instructed.
• Do not swim, wade, or waterski in water that has unusual color or where a cyanobacteria bloom has been identified.
• If direct contact with skin occurs with water containing cyanobacteria, wash off with fresh water. In some cases, skin irritation will appear after prolonged exposure. If symptoms persist, consult your health care provider or your local health department.
• Never drink untreated water. Boiling water taken from a waterbody with a cyanobacteria bloom will not destroy toxins.
• Do not let children, pets, or livestock wade, swim, or drink affected waters. If exposed, wash skin and fur thoroughly with fresh water.
• People who are prone to respiratory allergies or asthma should avoid areas with cyanobacteria blooms.
• Do not eat internal organs or use the carcass for stock of fish caught in HAB waters. If you have cleaned fish fillets caught from affected waters, thoroughly wash any of your skin that has come into contact with the fish, in addition to surfaces during cleaning and preparation. Use rubber gloves if contact with affected waters must be made.

What is Virginia doing about harmful algal blooms?

Several state agencies and municipal governments work together to regularly monitor the water and shellfish growing areas for the presence of cyanobacteria and their toxins, and to conduct surveillance for human health effects. This group is known as the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force. The public will be notified if a cyanobacteria bloom that could affect human health is identified. The Algal Bloom map is regularly updated to reflect the status of waterways experiencing a bloom.

How does someone report an algal bloom?

If you are concerned that you have been exposed to a harmful algal bloom, please see your health care provider or call your local health department. Telling your doctor about contact with water may help him/her treat the illness properly. You may also report the exposure on the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline (888-238-6154). Report algal blooms and fish kills online at http://www.swimhealthyva.com/.

How can I learn more about harmful algal blooms?

• If you have concerns about harmful algal blooms, contact your healthcare provider. Call your local health department. A directory of local health departments is located at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/local-health-districts/.
• Visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com and click on Harmful Algal Blooms.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HAB website at https://www.cdc.gov/habs/.
• Visit the Environmental Protection Agency HAB website at https://www.epa.gov/water-research/harmful-algal-blooms-cyanobacteria/.

Harry Looney, LACA Water Quality Project Officer

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org

By Harry Looney – July 2021

As we reported in an October 2020 newsletter article, LACA established an academic partnership with the Environmental Studies Program at Randolph-Macon College (R-MC) to investigate the impact of nutrients loads in the lake sediment on the lake’s algae problem.  The project was executed over the entire academic year of 2020-2021 by two different Environmental Studies Program classes, one during the fall semester and the other during the spring semester.  COVID-19, as might be expected, severely impacted the fall semester.  R-MC’s COVID restrictions would not allow students to go out on boats with their instructor, so LACA and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) implemented a back-up plan and were able to collect samples in September and then again in early November.  The strong DEQ partnership with LACA on this project resulted in the allocation of two days of their manpower, boat, and laboratory resources as well as data from the extensive DEQ data base going back to the 1970s.

The R-MC research program was focused on sediment collection in the main tributaries from the 208 bridge to the northern headwaters of the lake (North Anna River, Pamunkey Creek and Terry’s Run).  We included several creeks in the upper lake area as well (Plentiful Creek, Foremost Run and Ware’s Creek). 

This was the first time DEQ had ever sampled Lake Anna sediment for nutrients.  There was a large sediment sampling effort back in the 2010-2012 timeframe, but those samples focused on contaminants such as PCBs and mercury. 

The data from the September and November sampling campaigns were analyzed by students in the fall semester to quantify the levels of nitrogen, orthophosphates, and phosphorus in the sediment and in the water column at each sampling station.  Given the COVID-19 constraints, LACA was extremely pleased with the fall semester results and an initial data set of sediment nutrient values was obtained.  

The spring semester research effort started in February and students were able to come to the lake in March and April for sediment and water sampling activities.  Laboratory parameters obtained during the fall and spring semester included phosphorous, orthophosphates and nitrogen in the lake sediment and in the water 1-meter from the bottom of the lake.  Field parameters such as pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels were also recorded at 1-meter intervals from the surface to the bottom at each sampling location. 

While preliminary, the research conducted by R-MC provided LACA several insights on the issues confronting the upper lake regions due to algae.  The students combined data analysis of the sediment and water sample results with an in-depth look at land use using a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool.  The students had access to 1-meter resolution GIS land use data layers including residential, agricultural, forested, and commercial land use areas.  They also obtained data on septic systems approved in the Lake Anna area and biosolid permitted areas.  The student teams then conducted statistical analysis using these GIS data layers, the data collected during eth research project, and historical data sets provided by DEQ and LACA to identify correlations in the data.  Six student teams were formed to focus on nitrogen, phosphorous, orthophosphates, pH, chlorophyll, and the ratio of Total Nitrogen to Total Phosphorous, a factor that has been shown in many other research papers to be an indicator of where algal blooms are likely to form. 

The significant correlations found during these team efforts provided several insights that require further analysis, but the data provides LACA with information we can use to initiate localized remediation efforts.  The primary correlations identified by the students were lawns, crops, wetlands and forested areas.  The data clearly showed, at a macro level, that areas where lawns and crops go down to the water’s edge correlate with higher levels of nutrients and areas with wetlands and forested areas tend to lower nutrient levels.  The research provides the data and academic rigor to back up LACA’s suspicions that these land use factors are impacting our water quality.  More surprising though was the finding that, at the macro level, septic systems and biosolids do not have strong correlations to areas where high nutrient loads exist in the sediment and water column.  This was one research effort and the data was reviewed at a very macro level using datasets that go back 20 or more years in some cases. 

LACA intends to continue to review the data and to take a more micro look at the data sets for areas experiencing aggressive algal issues.  Sediment nutrient loading is one of the key knowledge gaps that LACA, LAAC and DEQ have identified with our understanding of the lake dynamics.  The R-MC academic research effort addressed this knowledge gap and the data LACA received will ensure our decisions about future remediation efforts, and the resources expended to address the algal issues, are based on science informed by relevant, current data.

Results from the R-MC research project will be shared with the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC) that is executing a comprehensive study to determine the cause of our recent harmful algae blooms (HABs) and to inform course of action development into potential remediation actions that could be taken.  Phase one of the LAAC project focuses on the North Anna River from Holladay Bridge west to the upper reaches of the lake.  The objective of LAAC’s robust study is to determine the magnitude of phosphorus and nitrogen loading from external (from the streams) and internal (in the water column and sediment) sources.

Dr. Mike Fenster and Dr. Chas Gowan lead the R-MC research program.  LACA nominated the R-MC professors for a York River and Small Coastal Basin Roundtable Excellence in Environmental Education award and both were selected as 2021 awardees.  As part of the award, the Roundtable purchased a tree for each awardee and they were planted on the R-MC campus.  An article on the award and the Environmental Studies Program at R-MC can be found at this link:  https://www.rmc.edu/news-and-calendar/news-stories/2021/06/04/a-watershed-moment-for-r-mc-s-environmental-studies-professors

Interested LACA members are welcome to volunteer in support of LACA’s Water Quality Improvement program.  Contact the Water Quality Project Officer at this link if you are interested in learning more or volunteering.

Harry Looney, LACA Water Quality Project Officer

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org