Oct. 10--Smith Mountain Lake tops most lists of premier recreational venues in the area. With 500 miles of shoreline it seems there should be enough to set some aside for people who can't afford to buy their own slice of waterfront property.

But there is a great deal of concern, especially as former campgrounds and marinas are sold off to developers, that unless steps are taken now, the public will be shut off from all but a few access points.

Luckily, two factors may provide the opportunity to make room for everyone at the lake.

First, Appalachian Power Co., which controls the lake, is seeking a license renewal through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.