WHY ??
Because it is a drinking water source, no gasoline motors are permitted on the lake. Fishing permits are required and may be obtained from local sports stores or the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Boats which use electric motors must also be registered with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Swimming is not forbidden, but is not recommended. Wildlife on the lake include bald eagles, herons, Canada Geese, coots, ducks, and beavers. As they are wild, feeding is not encouraged, and control is not possible. Boats belonging to Woodlake residents must be registered annually with the WCA and bear a WCA sticker, available from the WCA office.

MAINTENANCE ??
Any lake is a living, balanced ecosystem with a natural life span. The factors which cause the death of a lake are nutrient pollution, which leads to algae and weed growth, and siltation, which fills it in. These are natural processes which cannot be stopped. HOWEVER, the process can be significantly slowed to add years of healthy life. Erosion control in streams and waterways feeding the lake, and erosion control at any site where land is disturbed (e.g. construction), helps to slow siltation. Control of nutrient pollution – primarily nitrogen and phosphorous from lawn fertilizers – is up to the inhabitants of the watershed.

HOW ??
Properly maintained, beautiful lawns within a watershed need not adversely affect the water. The bottom line is that fertilizers used where they are applied will not run off into the drains into the lake. To accomplish that, follow these basic rules:

(l) Get a soil test. If the soil in your yard is too acidic or too alkaline, none of your fertilizer will be absorbed by your grass.

(2) Use the right fertilizer.  Buy a fertilizer with a 4:l:2 ratio;  that is, four parts nitrogen to one part phosphorous to two parts potash. This balance is the best for your yard and the reservoir and is available locally.

(4) Water sparingly, mow frequently, and do not bag the clippings. If you mow frequently, the clippings will be small. Returned to the grass, they continue to provide nutrients.