- Save Lake Chatuge -
Weekly Update | January 29, 2024
Be part of the solution!
The first week of our fundraising campaign to rid Lake Chatuge of the Parrot Feather invasive weed was successful. We’ve raised almost $90,000 as of today.
Please click the link here to donate via credit/debit card, or mail a check to:
Mountain True, 29 N Market St, Ste 610 Asheville NC 28801
In the memo line of the check, mark it "For Parrot Feather"
DONATE HERE!!
We noticed as we were talking to folks that many of the same questions get asked time after time, so we realized we should post an FAQ. Below are those frequently asked questions and answers.
Q: How much will it cost? A: We’re still negotiating with vendors, but the cost for 2024 is expected to be about $240,000.
Q: Will that effectively eradicate the Parrot Feather? A: We believe this treatment will allow us to have a successful, fun-filled 2024 on the lake. Research says that Parrot Feather is difficult to completely eradicate, and maintenance will be required in future years, but that treatment in future years will be less expensive.
Q: What if we do nothing? A: Parrot Feather spreads quickly. In 2022 it was a nuisance in the southern part of the lake. By late summer 2023 residents and guests couldn’t swim in the water and couldn’t take their boats out. If we do nothing, expect it to spread to the entire lake, in any area where water depth is 15 feet or less. It’s not if, it’s when.
Q: Why isn’t TVA paying for this? A: TVA has stated that they are doing a study which will be completed in summer 2024, and that in any event they would only treat public areas such as boat ramps and beaches. Even if TVA did accept responsibility and agree to pay for treatment, it would be too late for us.
Q: Why isn’t Towns County paying for this? A: County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw has said the county realizes something needs to be done, or the economy will suffer. But the County Attorney has told Commissioner Bradshaw that it would be illegal to use public funds for a private problem. He’s also said that this does not qualify as a County Emergency, which would allow the use of emergency funds. Commissioner Bradshaw has publicly stated he is trying to get state funding and grants for the Parrot Feather problem, but that governments move slowly and that we are on our own to raise the funds we need to start treating the lake in Spring 2024. The bottom line is that if we sit around and wait for governments to act, we could lose the lake. We encourage every person to let Commissioner Bradshaw know how they feel about this issue, and call him at 706- 896-2276, or email him at tccommissioner@yahoo.com
Q: Does that mean we will be fundraising for Parrot Feather treatment every year? A: It is our HOPE that county and state funding can be approved and budgeted for subsequent years. For 2024, we don’t feel like we can sit around and wait, which is why we need to act now.
Q: Is my donation tax deductible? A: Yes. Our partner in this process is Mountain True, a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to “Champion resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge.”
Q: How do I donate? A: There is a donate button on savelakechatuge.org and a QR code on FB group that links directly to the Mountain True Lake Chatuge PF project. You can also mail a check to Mountain True, 29 N Market St, Ste 610, Asheville NC 28801-designate Lake Chatuge PF project in memo line. (IMPORTANT: to ensure your online donation is applied to this project – use donate button on website page or through the QR code)
Q: What happens if we don’t raise enough money to pay for treatments in 2024? Can I get my money back? A: We are very encouraged that in the first week of fundraising we raised almost $90,000, which is 38% of the way to our short-term goal. But if we were unable to raise enough funds, yes, donors can request a refund at any point up until Mountain True signs a contract with the selected vendor, which is expected to be near the end of February. We will post a running total of funds raised on our website Savelakechatuge.org, and our Facebook group Lake Chatuge Parrot Feather Project, with the total funds raised updated at least weekly.
10)Q: I’ve talked to some folks who say they’re going to sit back and wait to see how things go before they donate. Should I do that too? A: That’s a strategy, but we’d ask you not to wait. If everyone sits back and waits, then nothing ever happens! Not just as it relates to Parrot Feather, but as it relates to everything in our lives. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Let’s Save Lake Chatuge, together.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
- Margaret Mead
Keep up the great work and let’s save the lake, together.