The Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA) represents over 1500 families and businesses and serves as their advocate in all issues regarding Lake Martin. The LMRA is aware that any lake related issue affects everyone.

Through its 32 years of service to the Lake Martin community, the LMRA has strived to bring together the many different interests of those who utilize our lake and develop policies that most positively affect the majority, not one single interest.

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LMRA was founded in the late 1960’s by a group of concerned citizens as a non-profit vehicle for the purpose of looking after the interests of Lake Martin. Ben Russell now serves as President of the association. The first primary mandate at that time was to convince Alabama Power Company and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that something had to be done about the unstable and sporadic lake levels which were evident on our lake prior to the early 70’s.

Mr. Russell was successful in bringing together lake residents and business people as well as understanding the politics and measures needed to insure that local interests were heard. LMRA was successful when Alabama Power and FERC agreed that a lake level plan (i.e. “rule curve”) was in the best interest of all who had the use of the lake. As a part of Alabama Power’s lake license agreement to FERC and LMRA, lake levels must be kept within a rule curve at all times of the year. If and when this cannot be accomplished (i.e. severe drought, floods, etc.) APCO is required by its license to report to both LMRA and FERC the reasons for the change and what solutions might be expected.

Because of LMRA’s leadership, today we are able to enjoy mostly stable water levels, an improved fishery and much better overall recreational opportunities.