Fort Loudon Lake Association Making a Difference

Fort Loudon Lake Association Making a Difference

It has been several months since I last posted about the good folks over at the Fort Loudon Lake Association, so I contacted them to find out about what is going on with them right now. They were more than happy to oblige, read the below excerpts from the information that they provided:
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In addition to removing hazardous debris from Fort Loudoun Lake, the Fort Loudoun Lake Association partners with municipalities and agencies by becoming an extension of their staff in helping to meet the goals and deadlines for cleaning up and reducing our stormwater. We currently are working with TVA in helping to remove boating hazards, debris and trash from the 52 linear miles of Lake. We work with TWRA in removing invasive vegetation from our creeks to improve habitat for our native plants and wildlife. We maintain the Turkey Creek wetlands which filter and slow down stormwater going into the Lake. We work with the City of Knoxville by doing water quality testing in the creeks to evaluate the pollution and by removing blockages (weirs) in the creeks which alter the course of the creeks and also collect trash and debris. We work with the City and with UT by providing and maintaining trash skimmers in the creeks to collect and prevent trash from going into the lake. We are currently working with Knox County to design educational programs and plan stream health assessments. Doggie mitts are provided in area parks to dispose of pet waste properly. We are involved in providing natural shoreline stabilization to prevent erosion and harmful silt from entering the Lake. We are planting rain gardens, planning riparian zones and building rain barrels to slow down the surges of stormwater.

Much research is being done to try to reverse these problems. For instance, the University of TN has developed the No-Til method of farming which results in very little run-off. They are utilizing two newly discovered genes in soy beans and corn that will reduce the amount of phosphorus from the waste of the hogs and chickens that eat them and still contain the nutrients required for healthy animals. Now with less and less farm land to act as natural wetlands for urban areas, UT has developed ways to double the ears of corn on a stalk to increase the yield per acre.

It takes a community to raise a child and it also takes citizens, businesses and communities alike to protect and enhance the economic benefits and quality of life value of clean water. It is all about stewardship!
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If you would like to learn more about the Fort Loudon Lake Association or perhaps you would like to join them in their efforts, just visit their website: Fort Loudon Lake Association.