Alabama Power hosted a Logan Martin Public Education forum on Friday, June 30 at the Pell City Civic Center. Representatives from Logan Martin Dam Environmental Affairs, Reservoir Management, Logan Martin Lake Protection Association, Shoreline Management, St. Clair County Conservation District, and the St. Clair Board of Realtors were on-hand to answer questions from the public about Logan Martin Lake.

Casandra Maudsley, a part of Shoreline Management Operations with Alabama Power, organizes numerous events throughout the year to bring awareness to the public about the lake and the many services that Alabama Power and other businesses and non-profit organizations offer.

“We like to offer information and answer questions that people may have,” Maudsley said. “Anything from lake levels, turbine generating schedule, permitting structures, or fish habitats.”

Many informational sources were available, including the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association, which tests lake water quality every month for hardness and alkalinity to ensure a healthy habitat for wildlife and recreational use.  Another source for information on water quality is the Coosa River Keepers app, which offers a free swim guide for areas all over the country.  The public can download the app at www.coosariver.org/swimguide and receive test results via email or text every Friday.

The Alabama Power Environmental Affairs Vector Control and Stewardship was available to answer questions about mosquitoes, invasive exotic plants, and native plants that are encouraged.  Plants such as waterhyacinth, water lettuce, watermilfoil, and hydrilla are invasive species that can outcompete native species and plant diversity can be affected. Plants such as water willow, commonly known as “bass weed,” are encouraged and often transplanted to areas without vegetation to create a better environment to facilitate fishing.

Alabama Power Company’s aquatic plant control program helps promote growth of more native species, and is directed toward controlling more invasive species listed in the “Alabama Nonindeginous Aquatic Plant Control Act.”  Staff biologists certified by Alabama’s Department of Agricultural and Industries directs aquatic plant control measures. EPA-approved aquatic herbicides are used if needed. The public is encouraged to contact Alabama Power Environmental Affairs, Vector, and Aquatic Plant Management at 1-(800)-LAKES-11 or (205) 257-2393 if they have concerns about aquatic plant life or visit www.apcshorelines.com/aquatic/

Alabama Power Shoreline Management has the flood easement on several lakes throughout Alabama, including Logan Martin Lake.  They offer information on lake levels, outflow, as well as the best fishing spots on the lake.

“This is a good opportunity to meet people face to face and get this information to the public,” Jake Woolley, Real Estate Specialist with Alabama Power said.  Shoreline Management also assists the public with permitting for boathouses, seawalls, and piers, which all have to be permitted through Alabama Power. More information on permitting can be found at www.apcshorelines.com.

Alabama Power Shoreline Management Operations will also be partnering with the Neely Henry Lake Association of Gadsden to conduct an informational seminar on Nov. 14. 

Alabama Power and Neely Henry Lake Association, along with many other local businesses, sponsored “The Dam 5K-2017” which was held on Saturday, July 8. All proceeds from the event benefit The Unbreakable Fighters, a non-profit organization that provides medical equipment, resources, and relief funds to families of children with unique disabilities. They had a one-mile Kids Fun Run and an Unbreakable Fighters Run. After the race, inflatables, games, dam tours, and more were available.

For more lake information or educational resources, visit www.alapower.com/lakes or call 1-(800) LAKES-11.