Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 26, 1993 TAG: 9309240082
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
The group was started by community members who own businesses or property around the lake and people who use it. But the lake is part of the New River, and the group may have to look further to keep its recreational jewel polished.
Bill Cunningham, one of 12 directors, said the organization would like to recruit members from Wythe County because the New River flows from that direction.
It is important to extend cleanup efforts as far upstream as possible, he said, especially following floods that leave debris in the lake.
"We've sponsored two cleanups where we go into a cove that's inundated with trash," he said. Debris was arranged to be hauled away. Pulaski County has helped with the effort, as have sororities from the universities and other volunteers.
Cunningham, who is with Cunningham Real Estate and a developer of property near the lake, would like to see volunteer groups "adopt a cove" in a manner similar to the Virginia Department of Transportation's "Adopt a Highway."
Housing subdivisions around the lake could do the same thing. "I think, by doing that, we'll be able to accomplish more," Cunningham said.
"You've got to realize that Claytor Lake, if you live in Pulaski County, that's where your We're kind of behind the times at Claytor Lake, and what we're trying to do is give the lake a shot in the arm, bring something to it. Bill Cunningham Director, The Friends of Claytor Lake drinking water comes from," Cunningham said. The lake's water also runs to Radford and Blacksburg.
"If we don't show some concern about what goes into the lake, it may affect the other localities all the way down the line," he said.
"This is our first year and we feel like we've accomplished quite a bit, but we really feel like there are still people who don't know what we do.
"One of the first things we need to do is education, let people know we're out here. The educational process is something that we really need to concentrate on."
Cunningham's brother, Clark, started a cleanup awareness program about two years ago "and that kind of died," Bill Cunningham said.
He noted that people around Smith Mountain Lake, which is only about half as old as Claytor Lake, have joined with several counties to preserve and protect it.
"We're kind of behind the times at Claytor Lake," he said, "and what we're trying to do is give the lake a shot in the arm, bring something to it."
While cleanup efforts have been a focus of Friends of Claytor Lake, the organization also has been involved in boat safety efforts, sandbar markers and with Appalachian Power Co. on lake access. Apco created the lake in the 1930s.
"What we try to do is set little goals that can be accomplished," he said. "We feel like we've accomplished something, so we're building on that."
There was no organization to which people interested in the lake could take their ideas. "We can help channel some of those," Cunningham said.
The group's board meets monthly, and a general public meeting will be scheduled early in 1994. At that time, goals will be discussed and ideas will be sought.
Further information is available by writing Friends of Claytor Lake, Box 596, Newbern 24126, or from any board member. The members are Ward Angle, Judith G. Furr, Samuel Talbert, Pete Crawford, Drew Clark, Harold Chrisley, Charles Cook, Todd Brewster, Mike Spraker, Eddie Crews, Mike Thacker, and Cunningham.
by CNB