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The NLPA worked with the East Tennessee Environmental Educators (ETEE) to install two signs near the Sunset Bay Marina. The signs have information about invasive species and how you can help stop the spread of invasive species in lakes. Invasives and Watercraft Story Go Back Nov 20, 2023 The NLPA worked with the East Tennessee Environmental Educators (ETEE) The NLPA worked with the East Tennessee Environmental Educators (ETEE) to install two signs near the Sunset Bay Marina. One sign is located at the entrance to the boat ramp and the other near the entrance onto the Sunset Bay Marina. The signs have information about invasive species and how you can help stop the spread of invasive species in lakes. Inspecting and properly cleaning your watercraft before and after you put it in the lake is vital to keeping the lake free of invasive species. It is important that you also make sure our guests who bring their watercraft to the lake also understand these guidelines. It takes all of us to do our part to help keep the lake clean and allow everyone to enjoy it for years to come. The signs were designed and installed by the East Tennessee Environmental Educators (ETEE) and the Norris Lake Protection Alliance (NLPA). They were paid for through a grant obtained by the ETEE from the East Tennessee Development District. If you have any questions or would like to support ongoing efforts to keep Norris blue, please contact us.

Details the NLPAs contributions to the ongoing health of Norris lake, with links to the latest water testing results, surface trash and derelict boat removal, and links to helpful information on what community members can do to curb pollution from entering our waterways. Keep Norris Blue Things We Do Go Back Water Quality Initiative Water Testing Prevention is far better than remediation NLPA has completed 12-month water testing on Norris Lake since 2023, and continues as a core NLPA activity. Current water testing protocol calls for water testing to be completed at least quarterly. To stay ahead of potential Norris Lake pollution issues data is shared with TDEC state experts. To date all samples have been within acceptable levels See Results Surface Trash Removal Volunteers Making a Difference In the past, NLPA has assisted Norris Lake Project (NLP) with general trash removal on both lake and land around the Norris Lake community. Since 2024, the NLPA has spearheaded new efforts for large surface debris removal, which includes concrete docks (that weigh thousands of pound), Styrofoam, barrels, and tires . These efforts continue with our partnership with Litter Gitters, and our donated boat. Read More Many thanks for financial contributions, and the hard work of our volunteers In 2023 the NLPA completed the removal of one derelict boat. In 2026 NLPA has completed the 2024 promised removal of two abandoned houseboats (two boats of 30+ feet). Keeping with our continued commitment to the betterment of Norris Lake, NLPA has taken on a new project: The NLPA/Litter Gitter team has prepped another boat from the Sunset Bay community shores to be floated off the water once water levels allow. See our Efforts in Pictures Derelict Boat Removal Community Education Our Choices Matter The NLPA documented best practices for anyone that wants to understand what they can do to reduce lake containments. Lawn, Dock, Boat Care Help Reduce Invasive Species The NLPA worked with the East Tennessee Environmental Educators (ETEE) to install two signs near the Sunset Bay marina sharing helpful information about invasive species and what can be done to stop the spread. Full Story

Our interaction with TDEC and a UT environmental specialist has proven the populated areas have regular algae issues. Why...How we care for our lawns, gardens, and docks are creating issues in the lake. Whether you live on the ridge or lakeshore, what is applied on the surface WILL run off into the lake. This page contains helpful information for all community members on proper lawn care. Lawn, Garden Care Riparian Buffers Go Back What we do Makes a Difference Download Download Algae blooms in freshwater lakes are typically caused by an excess of nutrients, Particularly phosphorus and nitrogen in the water. These nutrients can come from various sources, including fertilizer, agricultural runoff, and sewage discharge. Some forms of algae are simply messy, while other forms are a health risk to our pets and family members. Our interaction with TDE and UT environmental specialists has proven the populated areas have regular algae issues. Why… how we care for our lawns, gardens, and docks are creating issues in the lake. Whether you live on the ridge or lakeshore, what is applied on the surface WILL run off into the lake. What can we control? Lawn care Don’t fertilize If we choose to fertilize, please consider products that are phosphorus free Be conservative in the density of the application Limit the number of applications per year What can we control? Gardens Don’t fertilize. Use natural supplements and bio-friendly alternatives Be conservative in the use of all growth enhancers, they have the same impact on algae Limit the use of or avoid weed and pest control chemicals Support information: Sunset Bay website “Living In Sunset Bay" www.sunsetbaypoa.com/helpful-links-1/ Those who live on the lake shore, please consider planting a riparian strip of long rooted native grasses to manage erosion and filter lawn runoff Additional Resources: Riparian Buffer Handbook What can we control? Riparian Buffers to Protect our Lake Download Article

Since 2023, NLPA volunteers have gathered and tested water samples from designated areas on Norris Lake. The testing results (average of the sites) are published, and provided to our specialist contacts. Water Testing 2024 Results Go Back Keeping Ahead of Problems Click on image to launch PDF (downloadable and easier to read) Water Testing is dependent on Norris Lake water levels.

Email, Facebook, phone number for the Norris Lake Protection Alliance/NLPA/Keep Norris Blue Contact Us Go Back Address P.O. Box 27 Sharps Chapel, TN 37866 Facebook www.facebook.com/NorrisLakeProtectionAlliance/ Phone Todd Thiele – President 612-363-1429 eMail KeepNorrisBlue@gmail.com Meet the Team Todd Thiele President Janet Stout Director Water Testing LeahNe Thiele Vice President Cathy Peterson Technology Consultant Darlene Doran Treasurer

The NLPA is sustained by the volunteer spirit of involved Norris Lake Community members. If you care about Norris Lake and the quality of the water please consider getting involved. It’s as easy as emailing the NLPA to help KEEP NORRIS BLUE! KeepNorrisBlue@gmail.com Volunteer Support NLPA Get Involved Go Back Whatever your skill, there is something you can do to help NLPA achieve its mission to preserve Norris Lake for the enjoyment of future generations. We have committees for marketing, communications, water testing, finance, and more. Please lend a hand and get to know some great people who feel as passionately as you do about our cause. Address P.O. Box 27 Sharps Chapel, TN 37866 Facebook www.facebook.com/NorrisLakeProtectionAlliance/ Phone Todd Thiele – President 612-363-1429 eMail KeepNorrisBlue@gmail.com

Trash Collection Large Go Back and Small Large Surface Debris Stepping up to address new issues on Norris Lake Changing legislation regarding allowable dock materials has resulted in increased lake pollution. Some Individuals who are replacing docks materials to be in compliance with new codes, and who are unwilling or unable to responsibly remove the old materials, are simply allowing the lake current to carry the debris away. See our Efforts in Pictures Litter and Trash Hardworking volunteers make this happen multiple times a year NLPA teams with Norris Lake Project (NLP) and volunteers to clean up trash on both the lake and land. Volunteers pilot boats to take volunteers back and forth from the Marina to nearby cleanup sites. Volunteers Assist in picking up trash at the cleanup sites. Recent and generous and targeted donations has allowed the NLPA claim ownership of a boat to be retro-fitted for purpose. See our Efforts in Pictures

The Norris Lake Protection Alliance (NLPA - Keep Norris Blue) is a non-profit environmental preservation group serving the Norris Lake community through education, water testing, surface trash removal and sunken boat debris removal. We Invite Your Comments

The Norris Lake Protection Alliance (NLPA - Keep Norris Blue) is a non-profit environmental preservation group serving the Norris Lake community through education, water testing, surface trash removal and sunken boat debris removal. Think Green Keep Norris Blue Go Back NLPA Vision NLPA Values Representing the Norris Lake community in preserving the natural beauty and health of Norris Lake, and working to increase participation in environmental protection efforts Honest, committed, environmentally aware, promoting long-term health and sustainability, open to new perspectives on how to preserve our lake Support Us Operates entirely on donations and volunteer talent. Together we can have a positive impact in the community. GoFundMe Check Get Involved

This page provides educational information for all interested in what they can do to keep Norris Lake healthy from contamination for current and future generations by following tips for boat cleaning. Boat Care Invasive Species Control Go Back Watercraft Recommendations Download Clean, drain, and treat your boat if you take it from one body of water to another Boats are the most common way for invasive species to contaminate lakes. Of course, the best precaution is not to take your boat to another waterbody. But if you must, here’s how to clean your boats before you bring them back to our lakes – according to the regulations. NYS mandates reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of invasive species by boat traffic. Reasonable precautions are to clean, drain, and treat before launching your boat into a body of water – or relaunching it back home. Cleaning means that any visible plant or animal materials have been removed from the boat and disposed away from the waterbody. Draining removes water from the watercraft and the watercraft’s motor, bilge, and all other areas of the watercraft. Drain offsite and so that drained water, potentially carrying invasives, does not run into any waterbody. Treat the watercraft. Treat by at least one of three methods: air drying, rinsing or, as a last resort, towel drying. Air Dry either in dry, warm conditions or subfreezing temperatures. Air dry watercraft and trailers, uncovered, out of the water, and exposed to the sun or in a heated building for at least five days. Alternatively, store watercraft and trailers in continuous subfreezing temperatures for at least three days. Rinse Follow the steps as appropriate to the watercraft. In all cases make sure the water used does not drain into a waterbody. Rinse hull and other external areas or equipment with high pressure (2,500 psi) hot water (140 degrees F) for 30 seconds. Flush water cooled motors with water for two minutes. Flush the bilge area, live wells, bait wells and other water-holding compartments with hot water at a temperature of 140 degrees F for 30 seconds. If hot water is not available, thoroughly rinse the boat hull and flush water holding compartments with the warmest water available. Clean cold water is acceptable only if it is the only water available. Towel Dry Use in cases where the watercraft cannot be air dried or rinsed. Towel dry all portions of the watercraft hull, engine, trailer and associated equipment that have been in contact with one waterbody prior to launching in another waterbody. Notice that just taking the visible plants, animals, and mud off the boats is never enough. NYS DEC guidance on cleaning boats

Water Testing 114 Samples Collected Go Back 2023 Results 2024 Results 2025 Results 2026 Results Prevention is far better than remediation. The NLPA consulted with experts within TDEC and UT to determine what four critical pollutant indicators that we should include in water quality testing. Ammonia : Elevated levels via direct means, such as municipal discharges, animal/human waste, and agricultural runoff. Normal range is 0.01-0.50 mg/L. Cause for immediate concern is 2.5 Nitrate : Major sources of nitrate contamination can be from fertilizers, animal waste, and human sewage. A nitrate-nitrogen normal range is 0.2-3.0 mg/L. Conductivity : A measure of the ionic content (such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, sodium, magnesium, calcium, or iron) in a body of water by measuring the water’s ability to conduct electricity; a large variance to a site's typical reading may mean that a pollution event has occurred. Freshwater lakes typically have a range of 100 - 2,000. pH : Optimal pH level for fish ranges from 6.5 to 9.0. At levels outside this range, fish become susceptible to poisoning from toxic chemicals. Changes in pH can also cause an overload of available plant nutrients, resulting in excessive plant growth and depleted oxygen levels for fish. IMG_2856 Testing Training IMG_4178 IMG_2856 1/5

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