The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has once again OK'd stocking sterile grass carp into Smith Mountain Lake to control the spread of invasive aquatic vegetation — but this time at a much smaller amount.Â
Grass carp were first imported to the United States in the 1960s, as a tactic by conservationists to reduce the use toxic herbicides to reduce aquatic vegetation.Â
Susan "Nikki" Persons, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, is quickly making its return at Smith Mountain Lake after more than a decade. The underwater weed seen at the lake is pictured in 2025.
Hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, is quickly making its return at Smith Mountain Lake after more than a decade. Lake resident Don Pollock looks at the underwater weed form a dock in Penhook in 2025.
Grass carp were first imported to the United States in the 1960s, as a tactic by conservationists to reduce the use toxic herbicides to reduce aquatic vegetation.Â
Susan "Nikki" Persons, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, is quickly making its return at Smith Mountain Lake after more than a decade. The underwater weed seen at the lake is pictured in 2025.
Hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, is quickly making its return at Smith Mountain Lake after more than a decade. Lake resident Don Pollock looks at the underwater weed form a dock in Penhook in 2025.
