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Authorities release names of two dead after boating accident on Claytor Lake in Pulaski County
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. โ UPDATEAuthorities have named the two man that died after a boating accident on Claytor Lake in Pulaski County. Faron Gardner, 67, of Hillsville and Reginald Sizemore, 70, of Dublin were on Claytor Lake when their boats collided, according to the Virginia Dept. Authorities said alcohol was not a factor in the accident, and neither of the men were wearing life jackets. ORIGINAL STORYTwo people are dead after a boating accident on Claytor Lake, near Peak Creek, according to Conservation Police. AdMultiple agencies responded to Peak Creek, which is about half a mile away from where the incident took place on Claytor Lake.
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Alabama Bass in Virginia lakes are threatening stateโs bass population
The species, which is in appearance, is nearly identical to the Spotted Bass, threatens both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass through competition and hybridization, according to DGIF. Although Alabama Bass, which are native to Alabama and parts of Georgia, can grow somewhat larger than Spotted Bass, DGIF says they have a tendency to become stunted, ultimately creating a fishery dominated by small bass. Here's a comparison between Alabama Bass, Spotted Bass and Largemouth Bass (iNaturalist Angling for Black Bass Conservation Project)DGIF believes that further spread of Alabama Bass may jeopardize bass fisheries in systems such as Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, Lake Moomaw, South Holston Reservoir, the upper James River, and the Shenandoah River. Existing Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass populations saw negative impacts after Alabama Bass entered the water in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, according to DGIF. Contact DGIF at fisheries@dgif.virginia.gov or at 804 367-1293Anyone with information about intentioal stockings of Alabama Bass should contact DGIF law enforcement at 800-237-5712 or WildCrime@dgif.virginia.gov.
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Nonprofit helping remove debris from Claytor Lake
Friends of Claytor Lake (FOCL) helps preserve and keep Claytor Lake clean year-round. Rapp said the lake is one of Pulaski Countyโs hidden gem, โItโs one of Pulaski Countyโs best kept secrets, Smith Mountain Lake gets a lot of notoriety, but Claytor Lake doesnโt.โFOCL cleans all 21 miles of the lake from April to November. โIn some coves you can even walk across the lake without even getting wet itโs so much debris,โ Rapp said. Friends of Claytor Lake is holding its annual community cleaning day event on Saturday, June 27. Instead of meeting up in a large group, FOCL is encouraging lake residents to clean their own properties.
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Hundreds come to Claytor Lake as beach reopens after coronavirus closure
CLAYTOR LAKE, Va. โ If you have been waiting to cool off from the summer heat in a lake, your wait is over. Virginiaโs state parks, including Claytor Lake and Smith Mountain Lake, reopened their swimming areas Friday morning after COVID-19 delayed the season. Hundreds of people made the trip to Claytor Lakeโs swimming area on its first day of operation. โWe were stuck in the house and we wanted to have fun, so we came out here,โ said Abi Lineberoy. Havens believes the park will continue to draw summer crowds, and that the park has adequately prepared for the rush.
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Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake beaches to open Friday
Starting Friday, you can again enjoy the lakefront beaches at both Smith Mountain Lake and Claytor Lake. However, if overcrowding occurs, these beaches will be closed. Those at either beach are advised to respect social distancing and not participate in team sports. Claytor LakeBoth the beach and snack bar open Friday. Hereโs a look a the lakeโs upcoming beach and snack bar schedule:June 12-14 (Fri-Sun) Guarded beach and snack bar availableJune 15-17 (Mon-Wed) Swim at your own risk and no snack barJune 18-21 (Thur-Sun) Guarded beach and snack bar availableJune 22-24 (Mon-Wed) Swim at your own risk and no snack barJune 25-28 (Thur-Sun) Guarded beach and snack bar available
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Claytor Lake State Park experiences small Memorial Day Weekend crowd due to social distancing
CLAYTOR LAKE, Va. โ Claytor Lake State Park usually experiences a Memorial Day Weekend rush of people longing for their first taste of summer. Some people decided to make the trek to Claytor Lake, despite social distancing. โWe do typically come down to the lake on Memorial Day Weekend," Williams said. They expected the typical Memorial Day Weekend crowd, but were proven wrong when they arrived. Cicadas have started to emerge at the park, and torrential rain from the week filled Claytor Lake with murky water and driftwood.