Ongoing and New Initiatives
Water Quality
We play a role as stewards of the lake by sponsoring our own periodic water quality testing program & taking actions as indicated
Contract with Western Carolina University, quarterly sampling started August 2020
Ongoing quarterly monitoring for measurements within acceptable standards and early detection of adverse trends
Water quality 4-year trends presentation spring 2024, Water Clarity presentation September 2024
Presentation regarding Water Quality in Macon County by Jason Love, Associate Director, Highlands Biological Station, May 2025 water_quality_in_macon_county_abbreviated_for_fonl_2025_05.pdf
Water Level Monitoring
We monitor lake level controls within committed target/min/max levels & advocate as with Duke to optimize lake health and usage
Duke Nantahala Lake level forecast & history - lakes.hydro-derived.duke-energy.app/details/28/20
Ongoing dialogue with Duke and license stakeholders for potential license change to delay fall drawdown one month
Ongoing collaboration with Friends of Lake Glenville regarding common lake management issues
Boating Safety
We work to improve widespread understanding & adherence to established guidelines & requirements
Installation of aquatic invasive species protection signage fall 2020
Boating Guidelines Placard 7/2021 - fonl_boating_guidelines_2021.pdf
NCWRC Lake Safety and Enforcement Briefing - Spring 2024
Lake Boating & Watercraft Safety Initiative - 2025-2026
Lake & Area Cleanup
We coordinate annual lake cleanup & quarterly Adopt-A-Highway cleanu-up efforts
Adopt-A-Highway location - SR 1401 Junaluska Rd., Old River Rd to 1.6 mile west towards Andrews, NC
https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/environmental/adoptahighway/Pages/default.aspx
Annual FoNL Lake Cleanup - June, 2023-26 - partnering with Duke Energy for large item removal
Communications & Emergency Services
We investigate & partner with local, county, & state entities to improve communications & emergency response services
EMS briefing regarding lake area support, Sherriff zoom briefings regarding local patrolling presence
Multiple Macon county broadband expansion updates, updating on Starlink availability 2023-2024
Distribution of Community Watch signage 2023
County Broadband and BalsamWest progress & plans - fall 2023, spring 2024
Sherriff dialogue and partnering to address high speeds/noise on Wayah Road 2024-25
Macon County grant to support electronic speed signage on Wayah road spring 2026
Promote Lake Community
We promote positive involvement in and awareness of Nantahala Lake community through targeted efforts
FONL.org website, multiple newspaper articles in The Franklin Press, branded merchandise development & sales
Structured meetings with elected county officials and critical services leadership regarding area interests
Summer 2022 Hemlock Restoration Initiative hosted training and in situ demonstration
Donations to the Nantahala Volunteer Fire & Rescue, the Nantahala School & the Hemlock Restoration Initiative
FONL Summer Breeze Social at Historic Glen Choga Lodge, summers 2023-2026
Fishing on Nantahala Lake
We work with NC Wildlife Resources Commission & area fishermen/women to take actions promoting fishing quality while maintaining a balance that is both beneficial and sustainable for the Lake environment and ecosystem as a whole
NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Kokanee salmon stocking spring 2020-2024
NCWRC Brown Trout stocking November 2025
Thirty (30) fish habitat/attractor installations January 2022, Gill-net Kokanee survey fall 2022-2024
FoNL Private Trout Stocking program - December 2024 & 2025
NCWRC zoom meeting re: lake fish species and issues - update January 2025, spring 2026
Voluntary Self-Regulation Policy for Sustainable Trout Fishing, Revision 0, March 2025 fonl_-_trout_management_guidelines_-_march_2025_rev.0.pdf