Please check link for information.

November 21, 2025

Brunswick County approval to remove Stateline buoy on Poplar Creek

I am the chairman of the Brunswick Buoy Committee.  Along with Mac Osborme we manage the repair and replacement of navigation buoys on Lake Gaston in Brunswick County waters.  There are 7 on Poplar Creek and 10 on Pea Hill Creek along with 4 bridges that have lights.

In the past few years, the boating on Lake Gaston has changed very much.  There are more boats/wave runners, and they are bigger and faster.  We now have many more renters that come for the week from various areas who are not familiar with the lake and in some cases are not required to have a safe boating license.  One of the critical aspects of safe boating is to always have a forward observer.  Their job is to look for obstructions in the water, swimmers, boats towing wake boarders, tubing and skiing. (and of course our navigation buoys).  But this does not always happen, and the result is the important navigation buoys for boater safety are run into and damaged.  Despite the speed and size of boats it is boater negligence that results in damage to these important hazard and regulatory buoys.  

Brunswick County is the only county on the lake that supports buoys at their cost.  In North Carolina it is supported by the state.  As such I am very concerned about the cost to the county to maintain these buoys.  Brunswick spends more than about $6,000 per year on average.  The labor is free by volunteers. 

The Stateline buoy which is located at the entrance of Poplar Creek from the main lake identifies you are entering Brunswick County from the state of North Carolina. This buoy serves no warning of any hazards or regulations. It has cost the county over $6000 in the past 5 years. It is hit several times a year and repaired if possible.  The buoy has a 2-mile light on it that costs $500.  And the buoy is $300 with related hardware.  If the cable that secures it to the bottom is lost then that is an additional sum of money.

This buoy was not on the original list of buoys approved by the county and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources in 2006.  Somehow it was added to the water.  VDWR has no record of it, and it is not inspected every April like all the others. Both the county and I have elevated this to VDWR, and they say we can remove it because it does not designate a danger or a restricted area. So, it is my request to remove this buoy. 

President Drew Goodwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with 23 people in attendance at the Roanoke Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department (RWVFD). President Drew welcomed members and guests and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Membership – Debbie Marlowe reported that we have 148 members. 

Treasurer Debbie Andrews reported our balance of $4,874.42. Recent expenses included $1,000 donation to John 3:16 camp and $1,200 donation to RWVFD for inflatable life jackets.

John 3:16 Camp – Drew, Wyatt and John Dyckman volunteered at camp and shared safety procedures with 110 children. Sammy the Sea Otter, U.S.C.G. Auxiliary mascot, also visited and entertained the kids.

RWVFD Open House – Wyatt and Mike Wright hosted many visitors at our educational safety trailer during RWVFD’s open house. They distributed wristbands and spoke with guests about staying safe in the water and around the lake.

Josh Simpson, Lake Gaston Reservoir Manager, Dominion Energy, introduced new Dominion employee Cliff Johnson, Compliance and Project Coordinator, who will work with Josh on Lake Gaston projects.

Vice President Wyatt reminded everyone that we share the lake with the general public including swimmers, kayakers, power boaters, etc. We must promote courtesy on the water in our communities.

Announcements / Important Dates: 

• The Crossing – August 9th, $30 advance registration, $35 day of event

• Board of Directors Meeting – August 14th, 8:30 AM 

• Membership Meeting – August 27th, RWVFD, 7:00 PM, NC & VA Wildlife Resources

Lin Harbold won $20 in the 50/50 Drawing. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Lin Harbold, Secretary

Presentation:  Boating Safety, Cooper Graham & Colson Graham, Poplar Pointe Marine

Cooper Graham presented boat safety and etiquette as outlined in the Boat Buyer Safety & Operation Guide, and gave handouts to everyone in attendance. I attached a copy of the two-page handout for your reference.