Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Governor McAuliffe and his Cabinet visit Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Jim Gerhart, Friend of Smith Mountain Lake State Park 

On May 5th, Governor McAuliffe and his Cabinet visited Smith Mountain Lake State Park where they had time to relax, dine and stay overnight in the park cabins.  While at the park a chestnut tree was planted as part of the Governor’s program of Virginia Treasurers, to identify protect and preserve the treasures of Virginia.  This planting will be an exhibit to the public along with a plaque to explain the significant role the chestnut could have in future forest development in the parks and eastern forest.

Governor McAuliffe also presented a framed letter to the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, thanking them for 20 years of dedicated service to Smith Mountain Lake State Park.  Governor McAuliffe pointed out that the Friends have contributed 63,200 hours of volunteer work in environmental education, as well as conservation, recreation and cultural and historical programs. 

 

Friends Recognition

From left, Brian Heft, Manager, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Clyde Cristman, Director of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Governor Terry McAuliffe, Dave Gearhart, President, Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Craig Seaver, Director, Virginia State Parks, Molly Ward, Secretary of Natural Resources.  The Governor is wearing a cap presented to him by the Friends which is labeled “ I’m a Friend of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.”

Tree Planting

 

From Left, Aubrey Layne, Secretary of Transportation, Molly Ward, Secretary of Natural Resources, Clyde Cristman, Director of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Matt Brinkman, Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator, American Chestnut Foundation.  Looking on is Craig Seaver, Director, Virginia State Parks.