(Also see Upcoming Events on the Events Page)
Annual Lake Cleanup, May 2025
After a week of constant rain, FoNL members had a beautiful but windy morning on the lake, picking up all sorts of trash and debris. Whole and partial Adirondack chairs were prevalent retrievals, along with float mats, buoys, lumber, and general trash. Fantastic effort by eleven boats!
After a week of constant rain, FoNL members had a beautiful but windy morning on the lake, picking up all sorts of trash and debris. Whole and partial Adirondack chairs were prevalent retrievals, along with float mats, buoys, lumber, and general trash. Fantastic effort by eleven boats!
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2025 FoNL Annual Summer Breeze Social Planning has begun for this summer's annual FoNL Members & Sponsors social event to be held at the historic Glen Choga Lodge on Saturday July 26th. Unsurpassed venue, fantastic live blue-grass music, a wonderful meal on the lawn, and door prizes to raise funds for Nantahala Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Additional details regarding the event and ticket sales coming soon! 
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  Adopt-A-Highway Junaluska Road Cleanup, March 2025
Another great cleanup job by a FoNL members - from left to right, Mike & Marci Cooper, Neal Lipham, Raymond & Bobbie Kraemer, D'Anna Liber, Donna Scagel, Nadine Pisani, Shirley Poirrier |
FoNL Donation to Nantahala Volunteer Fire & Rescue (NVF&R), August 29, 2024FoNL - Marci Cooper, President, Dan Watkins, Treasurer and Joe Moore Arrowhead Point board member - was pleased to present a $1500 donation check to David Moore, NVF&R Fire Chief, to help support this group of special volunteers who help keep our community safe. The donation was in part enabled by strong fundraising during the FoNL Summer Social below.
FoNL Summer Breeze Social, Glen Choga Lodge,
July 27, 2024 Another fantastic event was held this year, with over 160 members/guests from all around the lake. See below pictures. Attendance also included special guests such as Gary Shields, Macon County Commission Chair and Lisa Leatherman, Duke Energy district community relations. Both individual members and Commercial members donated fantastic door prizes that helped to raise funds for a FoNL donation to the Nantahala Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Special thanks to Doug and Terri Matern, owners of the Lodge, for allowing us to host the event once again at this historic property, to Honey Bug BBQ out of Murphy for the delicious meal, and to Sweet ‘N Sourwood Honey, the local band including FoNL members Dan and Margie Watkins (see video to the right, for a taste of their wonderful music). |
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Adopt-A-Highway Junaluska Road Cleanup, June 2024
Great job and appreciation to everyone who participated Saturday June 29th in a slightly soggy Adopt-A-Road cleanup on our designated stretch of Junaluska Road. This quarter’s event was coordinated by the Indivdual Members and Summit, with nine total participants. Eight large bags of trash were collected.
Great job and appreciation to everyone who participated Saturday June 29th in a slightly soggy Adopt-A-Road cleanup on our designated stretch of Junaluska Road. This quarter’s event was coordinated by the Indivdual Members and Summit, with nine total participants. Eight large bags of trash were collected.
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Annual Lake Cleanup - June 1, 2024
FoNL conducted another successful annual lake cleanup, with a strong showing of 10 boats. A good number of volunteers enjoyed lunch afterwards at Lakes End:). The amount of trash seen on the lake was a bit lower than in some years (which is a good sign:), but pickups still provided a sizable cleanup benefit across the board, and are so greatly appreciated! Below see a few pictures that captured the moment!
FoNL conducted another successful annual lake cleanup, with a strong showing of 10 boats. A good number of volunteers enjoyed lunch afterwards at Lakes End:). The amount of trash seen on the lake was a bit lower than in some years (which is a good sign:), but pickups still provided a sizable cleanup benefit across the board, and are so greatly appreciated! Below see a few pictures that captured the moment!
Quarterly Lake Water Quality Sampling, February 2024 On a very chilly winter morning (in the 20’s!!!!), Paul and Gerri Schutes took Dr. Kim Hall out on the lake to get quarterly water samples. See the frosty ice caps on the top of the mountain range in the top center of the photo!!! Ongoing seasonal checks of key parameters helps FoNL verify continuing excellent water quality and monitor for any adverse trends or conditions. A special “shout out” to all three of these folks for braving the cold temp’s and wind as they traveled around the lake to the six sampling locations, and to Tom and Laurie Buckley for lending their pontoon for this use during the winter when few boats remain on the lake! |
Quarterly Adopt-A-Highway Junaluska Road Cleanup, March 2024
Great job and appreciation to everyone who participated Saturday March 23rd. in a very successful winter quarter Friends of Nantahala Lake Adopt-A-Road cleanup on our designated stretch of Junaluska Road. This quarter’s event was coordinated by Nantahala Highlands Estates and Rocky Branch Overlook. The 10 participants collected 10 bags of trash and recyclables, along with a large piece of PVC pipe, a tire, and four fluorescent tube lights. In the picture, from left to right, are Dan Watkins, Jim Knutson, Bob Shaw, Peter Knoop, Gena, Julie Hotckiss, Bob Moore, Steve Baumgartner, and Kim Baumgartner(with Margie Watkins taking the picture). 
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First Annual FONL Summer Social 2023
With an ever-growing membership looking to know one another better while enjoying a classic summer day, FONL hosted our first but hopefully annual going-forward Summer Social at the beautiful Glen Choga Lodge. Owners Doug and Terri Matern were fabulous hosts, welcoming all to their lovely historic property. It was a beautiful day, attended by over a hundred owners from around the lake, and just perfectly complimented with the most enjoyable entertainment by our local Steve Jordan Band. The FONL membership is terribly grateful to all of those who so worked hard to make this event happen and look forward to experiencing more good times together ahead! See pictures and Video below - |
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Lake Cleanup - Summer 2023
FONL's annual lake cleanup was held Saturday July 8th, with strong turnout and beautiful weather. While volunteers did a great job capturing and removing trash and debris, the group found the lake to be cleaner than in years past which is a good sign regarding lake users! Duke is scheduled to come to the lake the end of July to remove or secure very large items such as dock parts and large logs. Many thanks and appreciation for all of our volunteers!
FONL's annual lake cleanup was held Saturday July 8th, with strong turnout and beautiful weather. While volunteers did a great job capturing and removing trash and debris, the group found the lake to be cleaner than in years past which is a good sign regarding lake users! Duke is scheduled to come to the lake the end of July to remove or secure very large items such as dock parts and large logs. Many thanks and appreciation for all of our volunteers!
FONL Donation to Nantahala Volunteer Fire Department - June 2023
Friends of Nantahala Lake lake-wide board voted unanimously to again provide a donation to our local volunteer fire department who do so much to protect our community when fires occur. A check was presented by FONL President Frank Smith and FONL Treasurer Dan Watkins this summer in both support and appreciation.
Friends of Nantahala Lake lake-wide board voted unanimously to again provide a donation to our local volunteer fire department who do so much to protect our community when fires occur. A check was presented by FONL President Frank Smith and FONL Treasurer Dan Watkins this summer in both support and appreciation.
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Adopt-A-Highway Junaluska Cleanup - July 30, 2022
The latest cleanup happened this past Saturday with a great turnout, despite an ominous forecast of incoming rains. A lot of trash and debris was collected with the prize for the largest removal going to the Moore’s from Arrowhead Point! Thanks to all who participated this time, including the new doggy participant making a debut appearance! See pic’s below. |
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Lake Cleanup - Summer 2022
FONL's annual lake cleanup was held Saturday June 11th, with strong turnout and beautiful weather. Another great opportunity to have alot of fun while helping Nantahala get a little cleaner! Removed trash/debris was disposed of by Duke, and FONL is working with Duke to further address large hazardous items such as floating dock parts, logs, tree's etc. in the near future. Many thanks and appreciation for all of our volunteers!
FONL's annual lake cleanup was held Saturday June 11th, with strong turnout and beautiful weather. Another great opportunity to have alot of fun while helping Nantahala get a little cleaner! Removed trash/debris was disposed of by Duke, and FONL is working with Duke to further address large hazardous items such as floating dock parts, logs, tree's etc. in the near future. Many thanks and appreciation for all of our volunteers!
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Fish Habitat/Attractor Structures Installed, January 2022
The NCWRC installed 15 Mossback fish habitat/attractor structures in two Nantahala lake locations. The structures' location will be around 35-40 feet deep when the lake is at full pool in the summer. Both sites are very near shallow spots in the lake that are accompanied by a hazard buoy. 2022_nantahala_habitat_work.pdf Coordinates are - Site 1: Latitude 35.1931, Longitude -83.6462; Site 2: Latitude 35.1625, Longitude -83.6587 |
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Duke effort to remove/secure hazardous debris November 2021
Duke personnel began the first steps of a large effort to remove and/or secure large floating lake debris such as dock parts, lumber and large logs, which pose a significant safety hazard to boaters and towed individuals. The lake level was too low to allow ease of removal for items docked on shore , limiting the extent of this cleanup. Duke plans to resume the effort early spring of 2022, when lake level rises enough to get these items floating. . 
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Adopt-A-Highway cleanup September 11, 2021
A good gathering of FONL members from around the lake came together on a beautiful Saturday morning to collect trash along a section of Junaluska Road. It was a perfect undertaking for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, a small way of coming together for service to our community. |
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Kokanee Salmon in Nantahala The Franklin Press published a recent article (Sept.8, 2021) regarding the NCWRC stocking effort in Nantahala Lake and FONL's support/involvement in these efforts. |
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Lake Cleanup
FONL's first lake cleanup was completed Saturday June 12th, with a great turnout and beautiful weather. It was a great opportunity to see old and make new friends, and have alot of fun while helping Nantahala get a little cleaner! The award for the "most trash" collected ended in a tie; winning FONL t-shirts will go to the Cayer boat (Jenn & Jeff Cayer and Peter & Roco Knoop) and the Poirrier boat (Shirley Poirrier, Shirlon Haney, Cathy & Tommy Shropshire, Lisa & Randy Spencer). Lakes End Cafe & Grill provided lunch for the volunteers, capping off a terrific effort and terrific day. Removed trash/debris was disposed of by Duke, and we are working to further address large items such as floating dock parts, logs, tree's etc. in the near future.
FONL's first lake cleanup was completed Saturday June 12th, with a great turnout and beautiful weather. It was a great opportunity to see old and make new friends, and have alot of fun while helping Nantahala get a little cleaner! The award for the "most trash" collected ended in a tie; winning FONL t-shirts will go to the Cayer boat (Jenn & Jeff Cayer and Peter & Roco Knoop) and the Poirrier boat (Shirley Poirrier, Shirlon Haney, Cathy & Tommy Shropshire, Lisa & Randy Spencer). Lakes End Cafe & Grill provided lunch for the volunteers, capping off a terrific effort and terrific day. Removed trash/debris was disposed of by Duke, and we are working to further address large items such as floating dock parts, logs, tree's etc. in the near future.
FONL Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup
FONL's latest cleanup happened Saturday, May 1st, 2021 on our adopted section of Junaluska Road, beginning just past Old River Road and extending 1.6 miles to the west towards Andrews. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and volunteers had alot of fun, quickly ridding our section of road of trash/debris, filling a good number of bags! A special thank-you goes out to Frank and Charlotte Smith, of Mountain Shadows, who did another fabulous job of organizing this effort and making it a great success!
FONL's latest cleanup happened Saturday, May 1st, 2021 on our adopted section of Junaluska Road, beginning just past Old River Road and extending 1.6 miles to the west towards Andrews. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and volunteers had alot of fun, quickly ridding our section of road of trash/debris, filling a good number of bags! A special thank-you goes out to Frank and Charlotte Smith, of Mountain Shadows, who did another fabulous job of organizing this effort and making it a great success!
Nantahala Lake Kokanee Salmon Stocking
On Wednesday April 28th, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission personnel completed the second-year stocking of over 38,000 Kokanee Salmon fingerlings in the lake, as part of a five-year stocking program. Biologist Amanda Bushon is coordinating the stocking program for the Commission and was on the lake, helping in the release. The below pictures give an idea of the stocking process and size of the fingerlings. Kokanee typically grow to roughly 12 inches in size and around 1 pound, but a 20-inch, 3-4 pound Kokanee is not uncommon and Nantahala has produced several records in the 4 pound size, including 2 state records.
See a recent article in Carolina Sportsman regarding the history and resumed stocking of Kokanee Salmon in Nantahala Lake. It’s pretty special and unique! (www.carolinasportsman.com/columns/will-kokanee-salmon-thrive-in-ncs-mountain-lakes/).
On Wednesday April 28th, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission personnel completed the second-year stocking of over 38,000 Kokanee Salmon fingerlings in the lake, as part of a five-year stocking program. Biologist Amanda Bushon is coordinating the stocking program for the Commission and was on the lake, helping in the release. The below pictures give an idea of the stocking process and size of the fingerlings. Kokanee typically grow to roughly 12 inches in size and around 1 pound, but a 20-inch, 3-4 pound Kokanee is not uncommon and Nantahala has produced several records in the 4 pound size, including 2 state records.
See a recent article in Carolina Sportsman regarding the history and resumed stocking of Kokanee Salmon in Nantahala Lake. It’s pretty special and unique! (www.carolinasportsman.com/columns/will-kokanee-salmon-thrive-in-ncs-mountain-lakes/).
FONL Water Quality Testing
FONL’s third water quality testing samples were taken on a sunny, late winter day. Lake level was up to just a little over 91’. Overall water quality, as evidenced by data collected on March 10, 2021, was found acceptable, supportive of its designated uses, and exhibits comparable water quality to that observed in prior samples. Collection of the next samples will be targeted for late spring.
FONL’s third water quality testing samples were taken on a sunny, late winter day. Lake level was up to just a little over 91’. Overall water quality, as evidenced by data collected on March 10, 2021, was found acceptable, supportive of its designated uses, and exhibits comparable water quality to that observed in prior samples. Collection of the next samples will be targeted for late spring.
Winter 2021 Lake Refill, Weather Impacts, Spring Plans, & Event Forecast
Lake levels returned to target in late January following winter dam maintenance. Rain/snow conditions deferred FoNL's next adopted Junaluska road segment cleanup until springtime. The next lake water quality sampling is targeted for the end of February. Several fishing initiative efforts are scheduled for the upcoming spring months including Kokanee stocking, fish-attractor installation, and fish survey/sampling. The CY2021 lake cleanup has been tentatively scheduled for June 9 and a Fun Run for Columbus Day weekend, all Covid-willing!
Lake levels returned to target in late January following winter dam maintenance. Rain/snow conditions deferred FoNL's next adopted Junaluska road segment cleanup until springtime. The next lake water quality sampling is targeted for the end of February. Several fishing initiative efforts are scheduled for the upcoming spring months including Kokanee stocking, fish-attractor installation, and fish survey/sampling. The CY2021 lake cleanup has been tentatively scheduled for June 9 and a Fun Run for Columbus Day weekend, all Covid-willing!
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Rocky Branch Boat Ramp Extension - Dec. 2020 update
In follow-up to dialogue with Duke regarding a large wash-out area at the end of the Rocky Branch Boat Ramp, efforts recently completed to extend the ramp during the current winter drawdown. This work both corrected the prior problem and provided a great improvement and benefit to all that use this boat ramp! |
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Protection of Lake from Aquatic Nuisance Invasive Species
The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has recently posted warning and protection signage at both the Rocky Branch and Big Choga boat ramps advising/reminding boaters on actions to prevent introduction of invasive or damaging species into Nantahala Lake from other locations. |
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Boating Safety - Wake-boarding & Wake-boats
The FONL boating safety guidelines are being updated to incorporate NC Wildlife Resources Commission guidelines related to Wake Responsibility (see excerpt below from their website). Due to the very large wakes that wake-boats and wake-boarding activities can create, maintaining a further distance (>200 ft) from shoreline, docks, boaters or other structures is critical to avoiding damage or injury. Observations of unsafe conduct (that is not readily resolved) should be recorded/documented as possible and reported to the WRC Law Enforcement Division at 800-662-7137.
The FONL boating safety guidelines are being updated to incorporate NC Wildlife Resources Commission guidelines related to Wake Responsibility (see excerpt below from their website). Due to the very large wakes that wake-boats and wake-boarding activities can create, maintaining a further distance (>200 ft) from shoreline, docks, boaters or other structures is critical to avoiding damage or injury. Observations of unsafe conduct (that is not readily resolved) should be recorded/documented as possible and reported to the WRC Law Enforcement Division at 800-662-7137.
FONL Water Quality Testing
Another first! FONL’s first water quality testing samples were taken on a beautiful early August morning. Dr. Hall arrived with gear in tow, and boarded her water “taxi” to cruise the lake to each of the six sample locations. Results indicated all samples to be within acceptable ranges. The next sampling is scheduled for the end of October.
Another first! FONL’s first water quality testing samples were taken on a beautiful early August morning. Dr. Hall arrived with gear in tow, and boarded her water “taxi” to cruise the lake to each of the six sample locations. Results indicated all samples to be within acceptable ranges. The next sampling is scheduled for the end of October.
FONL Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup
Our first cleanup was held the morning of August 1st, 2020 on the adopted section of Junaluska Road beginning just past Old River Road and extending 1.6 miles to the west towards Andrews. Roughly 20 people came out from various FONL communities around the lake to make it a very successful kickoff - many bags of trash were removed (including a kayak paddle!) and the weather cooperated to make it an enjoyable effort for all. It was great to get to meet new acquaintances from various locations around the Lake. A special thanks goes to Frank and Charlotte Smith who championed and organized a great start to this FONL initiative! The next cleanup should be scheduled for early November.
Our first cleanup was held the morning of August 1st, 2020 on the adopted section of Junaluska Road beginning just past Old River Road and extending 1.6 miles to the west towards Andrews. Roughly 20 people came out from various FONL communities around the lake to make it a very successful kickoff - many bags of trash were removed (including a kayak paddle!) and the weather cooperated to make it an enjoyable effort for all. It was great to get to meet new acquaintances from various locations around the Lake. A special thanks goes to Frank and Charlotte Smith who championed and organized a great start to this FONL initiative! The next cleanup should be scheduled for early November.
