As part of required relicensing for the Martin Hydro Dam Project, Alabama Power is studying environmental, recreational and generation issues related to Lake Martin.

Over the next 12 months, Alabama Power crews, wearing bright green, will be surveying anglers, boaters and other recreational users of Lake Martin. The survey crews will cover the lake by boat and foot. Recreational users may be asked to complete a brief survey.

In addition, Alabama Power has partnered with Auburn University to conduct several studies on Lake Martin. One of these studies involve collecting adult striped bass and surgically implanting radio transmitters to track their movements through the fall. To help with the study, Alabama Power is asking anglers to release all tagged striped bass caught during 2009.

Another study, in the Blue Creek area of Lake Martin, involves the evaluation of shoreline habitats and how they impact water quality, fish and insects.

Individuals involved in these and other studies may be working at night, said Jim Crew, Alabama Power relicensing manager. “We want Lake Martin residents and recreational users to be aware that they may see our folks working at odd hours,” Crew said. 

For more information on these studies and the relicensing process, go to http://www.alabamapower.com/hydro/martin.asp. For more information about Alabama Power lakes, please visit https://lakes.alabamapower.com or call 1-800-LAKES11 (1-800-525-3711).

Contact: Michael Sznajderman 205-257-4155 or msznajde@southernco.com