Why an Administrative Commission for Leesville Lake, Virginia?
The Leesvile Lake Association's position is that threre should be an administrative
commission formed among the three counties of Bedford, Campbell, and Pittsylvania
to foster the development and care of the very much unspoiled resource - Leesville Lake, Virginia.
It's membership would be composed of represenitives from the three counties,
the Leesville Lake Association, and Americian Electric Power.
The commission would derive it's funding from these sources and be able to accept
grants from both State and Federal Governments for program initatives it's members deem worthy.
Why was Leesville Lake Association formed?
Leesville Lake Association was formed in August 2003 to promote stewardship of Leesville Lake by:
- Monitoring and protecting water quality
- Assisting clean-up of waters and shorelines
- Assisting in safe recreational use
- Assisting in economic development
- Fostering optimum water levels
In a short time, Leesville Lake Association has grown to over 260 member households.
That represents about 650 persons.
Organization of Leesville Lake Association
Board Of Directors
includes members from
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Standing Committees
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Executive Committee
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- Pittsylvania Co.
- Bedford Co.
- Campbell Co.
- Game Fishermen
- Marina Operators
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- Environmental Cleanliness
- Navigation
- Safety
- Water Quality
- Water Quantity
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- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasure
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Major Issues
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- Major debris contamination trapped in lake and coves following heavy rains and wind
- Leesville Lake Association sponsored cleanups to date have had minimal impact
- Limitations
- Size and quantity of debris
- Absence of disposal locations
- Minimal participation by AEP
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There is an existing system that was established by AEP when the lake was frist impounded over fourty years ago consisting of 16 mileage
marker signs along the shoreline from Leesville Dam to Smith Mountian Dam.
- Less than half remain … visibility of remainder severely limited throughout summer months due to the foliage
- None are lit for night reference
- AEP acknowledges state of system BUT uncommitted to repair or replace
Navigational Hazards
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- Unmarked channels
- Unmarked islands
- Unmarked submerged obstructions
- Unlighted bridge supports
- All hazards exacerbated by water level fluctuation
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- Smith Mountian Lake and VADEQ have water quality sampling and assessment programs on Leesville Lake
- Leesville Lake cited as “impaired” in VA DEQ 2004 study
- Unique program for Leesville Lake and tributaries needed
- Monitor potential changes to release protocols from Smith Mountian and Leesville dams
- Insure current or proposed protocols do not aggravate existing erosion at Leesville Lake
- Insure all stakeholders from Smith Mountian Lake to Brookneal are protected from adversity
- Support work of Roanoke River Basin Water Conservation Alliance
- Frequency and extent of 13 foot water level fluctuation
- Causes shoreline “scour” that removes soil from shore
- Creates bank height greater than 4 feet
- Creates receding shoreline
- Causes movement of debris
- Low water traps debris on shore
- High water floats and moves debris
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Siltation assessment needed for lake service-life determination
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Leesville Lake Association Accomplishments to date
- Lake Cleanups
- Survey of Existing Navigational Aids
- Survey of Navigation Hazards
- Monitoring State and Smith Mountian Lake Water Quality Programs
- Participated in SMPSP Water Quantity Assessment
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Leesville Lake is among the last remaining undeveloped waterfront in Virginia.
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Future of Leesville Lake
- Continued shoreline development
- Increased recreational use
- Increasing prominence as local and regional business attraction
- Continuation as power generating system
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Why a Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission for Leesville Lake?
- Success of concept at Smith Mountian Lake
- Leesville Lake is equally important as a tri-county resource
- Local government legislative and funding support needed
- Leverage with State and Federal agencies
- Leverage with AEP on Shoreline Management Plan issues
What We Need From The Three County Governments
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Bedford
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Campbell
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Pittsylvania
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- Recognize the value of Leesville Lake Economic development and growth for benefit of bordering counties
- Increase tax revenue
- Increase skill pool
- Sustain safe, clean recreational resource for all residents
- Business attraction
- Vacations for all elements of the population
Bottom Line is we need help!
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A Lake Administrative Commission is critical to achieve
- Credibility with AEP and State/Federal agencies
- Safe and clean recreational environment
- Preservation and longevity of valuable natural resource
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Why Write Your Supervisors?
Your supervisors are going to be considering this proposal made by The Leesville Lake
Association. Write to your supervisors and let them know how you feel about it. Tell them that
Leesville Lake needs a commission all it's own to take care of the unique problems mentioned above.
Email links on this page will write the following message to your default email program for you to review.
"I support the views of the Leesville Lake Association on the creation of a
three county administrative commission unique to Leesville Lake."
They will be addressed as stated in each link below.