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Note to reader: Discussions have been organized in
these minutes to follow agenda topics as outlined. Numbers will correspond
with agenda as listed below.
Attendance (members): Also; Mark Heilman, Bob Lohr, Bruce Johnson, Doug Hughs, & John Slaton. Italicized names notate attendance via conference call Agenda
1. Some effort has been made to apply the AMUR STOCK model to Gaston. Gaston data was used as input but the model seems to struggle with that data and doesn't produce a realistic outcome. AMUR STOCK may not be of much value at this time because it was designed for warmer climate settings and probably doesn't account for the annual behavior of monoecious hydrilla (model was likely designed for dioecious). The NCWRC cohort analysis was discussed. Some improvements were suggested (incorporate bio-mass of standing carp population, scale mortality over age, and factor in escapement as directed by outcome of tagging study). No other models were brought forward. The group set a timeline to adopt a carp stocking model by 2008. 2. Discussion of carp stocking locations and size of fish led to the following: " General consensus was to release carp at two locations Radio tagging project is still on track to begin this spring. Approximately 24 fish from the new delivery are to be tagged, and approximately 15 fish captured from the lake (not new delivery) are to be tagged and released back. Methods being considered for fish capture include netting and electrofishing. Some concern with radio tag retention was discussed. Grass carp have historically been prone to tag shedding. Though no ideas to limit tag loss were brought forth, it was suggested that lost tags could possibly be recovered and re-used. VA Game & Fish has offered to lend out a receiver for this project. The receiver should be capable of detecting signals from tags at a maximum distance of ~ ¼ mile. 3. Dr. Smart provided the group with shifts in the vegetation community he had observed in 2006 compared to 2005: " Eurasian water-milfoil - minor increase in overall abundance; no mono-specific stands were observed in 2005 whereas ~.14 acres were recorded in 2006 survey. " Egeria - minor increase in overall abundance; no mono-specific stands were observed in 2005 whereas ~12 acres were recorded in 2006 survey. " Lyngbya - minor increase in overall abundance; mono-specific stands increased from 1 acre to 11.5 acre (2005, 2006, respectively). Group discussed concerns with increasing lyngbya within Lake Gaston and agreed to choose two sites to initiate some trial treatments, accompanied by close monitoring. The need to educate the Lake Gaston community at-large about lyngbya was realized. Finding/generating and distributing a fact sheet flyer would be a good start and it was agreed that this would be an action item for the group.1
Mr. Johnson asked about hydrilla growth in the main lake (not cove sites). TAG does not have any specific plans to target these areas at this time. The historical school of thought has been that grass carp will be relied upon to gain control in these areas. The carp tagging study may provide some insight on this theory, and help guide appropriate actions at that point. 4. Mr. Cheek along with Mr. Hyde presented an overview of the treatment plan for 2007 season: " Target 1400 - 1500 acres with fluridone Discussion pursued some specifics of treatments proposed in the upper reaches of the lake (The Flats). This area is heavily infested with hydrilla, includes a site where hydrellia flies have been released, and is popular for duck hunting. This site may have some potential for re-vegetation also. Mr. Cheek and Mr. Hyde are to re-evaluate the treatment plan of this area and present to TAG member for further review. NCSU will conduct treatment site assessments throughout the lake in 2007.
LGA meeting (March 14) was mentioned because re-vegetation was a topic; the association intends to promote the installation of native wetland/aquatic plants on lakefront properties. ** Action Item **
" Need for consistency in the annual survey methodology Since the LGWCC is charged with the role of contracting the mapping/survey service, the TAG felt it important to specify and explain key criteria. ** Action item **
Adjourn until autumn 2007 (date was not established).
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