12/21/2023
- Protecting Lake Martin for more than 50 years
In the late sixties, Lake Martin experienced unpredictably low water levels which brought about extreme concerns among property owners who enjoyed the recreational pleasures of Lake Martin. A group of 35 concerned citizens came together under the leadership of Ben Russell to address this serious issue. This group hired an attorney, chartered a plane and flew to Washington. With the help of local and state officials, along with media representatives, Alabama Senators and Congressmen, this group was successful in persuading the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to include a reasonable lake level guideline in the new license for the operation of Martin Dam.
From that time to today, LMRA has continued to work with Alabama Power Company (APCO) in an effort to provide better summer and winter lake levels and, with the support of the Lake Martin community, was successful in getting three feet added to the winter pool level as part of the recent Martin Dam Relicensing project. Additional projects and goals have also been added. These important projects include the purchase, placement and maintenance of lake hazard buoys to provide for boating safety, a $5,000 reward program for property and environment protection efforts. Additionally, LMRA partners with APCO and Russell Lands in projects focused on keeping Lake Martin and surrounding roadsides litter free.
LMRA has been and will continue to work for the betterment of Lake Martin for today and the future.