LGWCC Native Vegetation Management
Habitat Enhancement Program
The LGWCC is partnered with the NCWRC, VADWR, and the LGA to establish beneficial native vegetation on Lake Gaston. Part of the effort includes improving lake habitat to provide enhanced aquatic conditions for self-sustaining native vegetation communities. Each spring the partners survey the locations on the lake where temporary exclosure cages (used to keep herbivores such as fish and turtles, from eating the newly planted vegetation) have been placed and/or native vegetation has been planted, to determine what additional work is required in the current year. In early summer, volunteers get on the lake and into the water to repair the cages, remove cages no longer needed, and plant additional vegetation. A key benefit of establishing and supporting diversified native vegetation on Lake Gaston is to help prevent the spread of nuisance vegetation (including noxious/invasive vegetation/algae) on the lake. In addition, native vegetation is a critical component to healthy fisheries that support recreation fishing on the lake. A 5-Year Management Plan has been developed by NCWRC to help guide the program and ensure measurable success. See links below for additional information and current 5-Year Management Plan.
NCWRC Presentation on the Lake Gaston Revegetation Program – 2024
Historical Overview of LKG Habitat Enhancement Project – 2019
5-Year Management Plan
Lake Gaston 5-year Vegetation Plan 2022-2026 Final – July 14, 2022
2024 Annual Report
Lake Gaston Association Habitat Enhancement Report
Beneficial Vegetation on Lake Gaston
Native Vegetation and Habitat Enhancement Fact Sheet – 2024
Other Vegetation on Lake Gaston
TBA