At the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission meeting on June 3, the board voted to prepare an RFP (request for proposal) for a full lake survey. The last full survey was done six years ago, said Bob Camicia, chairman of TLAC's Environmental Committee.

He said an annual assessment is needed every year in lakes with aggressive, invasive aquatic vegetation such as hydrilla. The weed was found last year in various locations, with the largest infestation in Crazy Horse Cove.

Pam Dinkle, lake management and project coordinator, said the best time to conduct a lake survey is in August. Because of the short time frame, the board will review the RFP at the July meeting and send it to Appalachian Power for approval before releasing the RFP for bids.

Camicia said he estimates a full survey would cost $30,000 to $40,000. Appalachian has committed up to $10,000 for a lake survey, but TLAC has requested more funds.

"Apco is not considering doing a full-length survey at this time," said Liz Parcell, the Appalachian representative on TLAC's board. "I don't know if Apco will give additional funds at this time."

In other TLAC news:

• The board voted unanimously to award a contact to Skip's Aquatic Solution, LLC to combat invasive aquatic vegetation in the lake.

• After recently allowing one bidder to retract his sign production bid, the board voted to reject all other bids. The bids are now six months old, said Dinkle. Since the bids, she said prices have changed and the bids are now "stale."

• By the end of the week, Camicia said he expected 50 to 60 lake residents to be trained to serve as the eyes for TLAC and Smith Mountain Lake Association's weed and algae monitoring program. Residents who see questionable vegetation can call the monitoring hotline at (540) 719-WEED (9333).

• TLAC launched a new web site on Wednesday. Citizens can now visit www.sml.us.com.