***DISCLAIMER***

**AT THIS TIME WE ARE NOT COLLECTING MONEY!!! THE DONATION FEATURE YOU SEE AFTER YOU SIGN THE PETITION GOES TO CHANGE.ORG NOT OUR CAUSE**

FOR MORE INFO VISIT US AT SAVELAKECHATUGE.ORG

 

 

WHAT’S OUR CHALLENGE? 
Parrot Feather is an invasive non-native weed that has infested Lake Chatuge and is spreading rapidly. If not treated properly & expeditiously the weed will detrimentally impact the enjoyment of Lake Chatuge, and our local economy.

You can read more about Parrot Feather here - Parrot Feather 101

The small communities in this region thrive on the local commerce that Lake Chatuge provides. Without the lake, the regional economy would be significantly & permanently impacted. To our knowledge, the weed has only appeared in the Southern End of the Lake. Callie Moore, West Regional Director at MountainTrue has stated that while the situation is dire, it’s not too late for a timely and aggressive action plan. If not treated, in the early spring the weed will begin another season of rapid growth. 

This group’s  focus is on Lake Chatuge, but Parrot Feather may/will impact every lake in this area.

WHO ARE WE? 
Save Lake Chatuge is a grassroots movement of regional businesses and homeowners who are committed to controlling and treating Parrot Feather in Lake Chatuge. We are passionate about this lake, and Parrot Feather effects everyone who lives or works here. 

WHAT’S OUR PLAN?
Our action plan is to build an organized collation of community stakeholders in the Lake Chatuge region. The practical solution is to hire a licensed, commercial applicator to apply an aquatic pesticide to the currently affected areas to mitigate the growth and spread of Parrot Feather. Time is of the essence, the weed doesn’t thrive in the winter but if not treated in early Spring 2024 the growth will be rampant as we’ve experienced in the last 12 months. 

The lake has been infected with a form “Cancer”. Early detection is the most effective first step of treatment. Furthermore, an ongoing treatment & awareness program will be required to keep the lake healthy in the future. 

While only the southern end of Lake Chatuge appears to be affected now, without aggressive treatment, it may continue to spread to every area of Lake Chatuge. Lake Raybun and Burton have both experienced this infestation. 

The goal is creating awareness of Parrot Feather and encouraging mitigation strategies for Lake Chatuge in both Georgia and North Carolina.

Partnering with state and local officials from both states, as well as the TVA is paramount to the success of our mission. Their support is essential to funding & reducing the environmental impact of this issue. 

We are not only requesting support from these agencies, but as taxpayers and voters, we EXPECT it.