39
Discover Smith Mountain Lake
SUMMER 2016
38
Weeder’s
Digest
This truly is a momentous year for what has been termed
the Jewel of the Blue Ridge. This young, man made lake,
whose purpose was to provide clean and renewable power,
has become a destination, a home, and a hub of economic
activity, of which we all should be proud and for which we
are thankful.
Aside from the beautiful vistas, the obvious 800-pound gorilla
in the room is the bountiful clean waters of Smith Mountain
Lake, along with the hundreds of miles of waterfront that
allow access to it. No matter where you live locally, or why
you are here, it is without doubt the underlying force that
fuels this region.This living breathing ecosystem allows us to
enjoy its wonders and prosper from as well, which means we
all have a responsibility to maintain its well-being.
Smith Mountain Lake was created by the Army Corps of
Engineers, for the sole purpose of creating power, to be
overseen by Appalachian Electric Power (AEP). As such,
there are certain rules, be they popular or not, by which
we all must abide. Much like Virginia Department of
Transportation, (VDOT) controls, via easement, perhaps
some of your land adjacent to the road, AEP controls the
property at lakes edge, up to the 800’ mark of elevation,
which covers varying amounts of land, depending on the
topography.This area is known as the Riparian Buffer Zone,
or in layman’s terms, the banks of a waterway.
The banks of SML are a demarcation line between our yards
and our clean water, and no place is more important to
consider in our efforts to keep that water clean.The goal of
planting a buffer zone is to mimic what occurs naturally with
out intervention: The trees, shrubs, and ground cover that
adorn water ways prevent sediment run off, and also absorb
chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers from contaminating
those waters. They also serve to arrest the erosion of those
banks, which we typically achieve with the installation of rip
rap.
Rip rap can lessen the erosion of our properties, but it does
nothing to absorb and protect the watershed.As a land owner,
you have the right to plant whatever you want, wherever
you want, even under the 800’ mark, without permission or
permit. The only catch is that you are not allowed to remove,
live or dead, existing flora under the 800’ mark without
permission from AEP. Whatever you do plant in that zone,
you are required to maintain it indefinitely.
Therefore, if you are considering installing a buffer zone, it
would be wise to prepare a well designed plan before any
action is taken on your part. Again, if you are willing to aid
in the safe keeping of these clean waters, you may plant any
type of tree, shrub or ground cover, whether native or not; it
is your choice. While it is true that native species are more
drought tolerant and hardy than some non natives, if installed
correctly and wisely, plants will acclimate themselves
accordingly.
Remember: a buffer zone is not meant to encumber your
view or access to the water; it is merely to catch and absorb
the silt from hard rains or the many horticultural products
that we administer to our plants and lawns to keep them
looking their best. Lawn fungicides, pesticides, and fertilizers
in particular need to be carefully and thoughtfully applied.At
best, consider using a phosphate free lawn fertilizer (example
20-0-10) near any body of water, as phosphate can lead to
a de-oxygenating effect, which will harm the creatures that
make up the food chain in any micro environment.
The idea of a buffer zone has caused some consternation in
years past among some home owners and businesses. Rules
concerning new construction for homes and docks and the
need for land clearing have been hot topics for those involved
in construction and real estate, as well as for home owners
who simply desire the coveted views for which we are all
here.
For these purposes, that conversation will be left to the rule
makers and the rule breakers.This conversation is about the
health, sustainability and habitat in which we all have a stake. It
begins and ends with the beautiful waters of Smith Mountain
Lake, in which we swim and fish, or simply admire for its
beauty… and how together, we can do our part to protect
it for generations to come.The water’s edge, or buffer zone,
is the insurance policy in which we all should invest, for the
protection of this wondrous gift.
If you have further questions or want help in planning a buffer
zone you can contact the Smith Mountain LakeAssociation @
540-719-0690, or visit
. I especially
would like to thank Meg Brager, Master Naturalist and one
of the Buffer Landscape Advisory Service Team Member
volunteers, for her efforts to educate and assist myself and
others about this endeavor.
Remember, it never hurts to seek professional advice. You
can reach Bob Siren at Diamond Hill Garden Center at
540-297-7009 or email
Wherewill your
DREAMS take you?
888-880-4655
mantravelteam.com
K AU F F M A N T R AV E L T E A M
13840 B.T. WASHINGTON HWY, SUITE C1
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA 24121
Listen in to Garden Gab everyWednesday
from 9am - 10am onWSLK Radio
By Bob Siren
