Archive for the 'Lake Martin History' Category

Gov Riley Declares War On Lake Martin Water Level

July 20th, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Lake Martin Living

Governor Bob Riley has declared war with the Army Corps of Engineers over the Lake Martin Water level.

Apparently he is sick of seeing this drought affect Lake Martin’s water level drastically, while reservoirs that are upstream (read: in Georgia) haven’t felt the hurt like we have.  The Army Corps of Engineers regulate the flow on most if not all of these dams.  Riley contends that they need to release more water in Georgia to help Alabama.

Robert Price Prince, the general manager for Central Elmore (County) Water Authority joins Riley in his concerns.  The company’s water intake valve is at 474 feet on the Martin dam.  Any lake level below that spells trouble.

In response, the Corps has responded to say that they will increase water flow into the Tallapoosa / Coosa system and also reduce the required flow going out.  Hopefully this will abate the drop in the Lake Martin water level.

I guess that just goes to show you what a country boy can accomplish when he gets mad.  Guv can put the top back on that can of Clay County Whup A**.  I applaud the Governor’s passion and action.

I looked and looked for an online video of the Guv’s call to arms.  I saw it on the news the other night, and it was a classic Alabama rant.  There he was, up in the grill of the cameraman, tie loosened and sleeves rolled up, spitting and fuming.  Well, it worked!  Good for him.

Every time I see the Guv at a public event, he has the tie loose and the sleeves rolled up.  It makes me wonder, if he ever did get in an actual fight, would he tighten up the tie and roll his sleeves down?  Just wondering.  Kudos to Riley.

 

Related Posts:

Help Keep Lake Martin Water Level Up
Fourth Of July Fireworks Are On, But Don’t Try At Home

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You Are A Lake Martin HOBO

July 9th, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Lake Martin Living

Whether you know it or not, you are a Lake Martin HOBO!

Some Lake Martin area folks have organized the Lake Martin Home Owners and Boat Owners Association – and called it the Lake Martin HOBOs.  You don’t really have to be a waterfront home owner or a license toting boat owner to be a member.  So even if you are merely a fan of Lake Martin, you can join today! 

Coley Real Estate and the Lake Martin Voice are proud sponsors of the Lake Martin HOBOs.

Why a Lake Martin HOBO?

The Mission Statement reads:

“The organization’s mission is to work together with home owners, boat owners, local businesses, local, state and federal agencies and others to foster long term partnerships to preserve, protect and enhance the overall quality of life of all living things in and around Lake Martin – The Crown Jewel of the South, including, but not limited to, water levels and quality, shoreline preservation, fishing, wildlife, recreational activities and the safety of all boaters.”

Worthy goals all.  I think Lake Martin needs an association like this that will responsive to the people in the area, and that will balance quality of life issues with the realities of Lake Martin’s future development.

Please support the Lake Martin HOBOs!

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Russell Lands’ Fireworks Are On, But Don’t Try At Home

June 14th, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin Area Info, Lake Martin History, Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin’s Fireworks Display on the Fourth of July is one of the best things about the lake area. After years of watching the fireworks show at the lake has caused me to be jaded and judgmental of any other claims to have “the best fireworks show in the land.

Many have worried that this year’s severe drought would prevent Russell Lands from putting on their annual patriotic display. After the state fire marshall banned fireworks in 33 drought affected counties, rumors have been flying around Lake Martin that there would be no fireworks show.

Fear Not! The fireworks show is on! Russell Lands General Counsel Steve Forehand confirmed in a letter that they do plan to have the fireworks display this year. Russell Lands has a “special permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission and the State Fire Marshall.

If you would like to see the fireworks, you can drive to the Lake Martin Amphitheater for the best view. It’s about a mile south of Kowaliga Bridge on highway 63. The Sweet Young Uns, Muse, and Harbor Lights will be playing after the fireworks.

By boat, you can pretty much see them at any point from Kowaliga Bridge to Martin Dam, which will be packed with thousands of boats. If you want an unimpeded view, go to the Cocktail Slough, directly north of the Amphitheater. If you go by boat, take caution. This event makes for the most dangerous time to drive a boat on Lake Martin. Combine the darkness, drunk boat drivers, inexperienced boat drivers, and (this year) exposed islands and it can be a madhouse.

Back to the Russell Lands letter – if you rent a Russell Lands cabin, watch out. Forehand reminds you that it is against your lease to shoot fireworks on the property – and it “could result in termination of your lease. That would be a shame.

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Help Keep Lake Martin Water Level Up

May 31st, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Lake Martin Living

Help!  Alabama Power has requested to lower the required stream flow coming from Martin Dam, in an effort to keep the water level on Lake Martin from plummeting even more.  Click here for the public notice from the Corps of Engineers.

Willard Bowers, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at Alabama Power, made a request on May 15 to Colonel Peter F. Taylor, Commander, Mobile District, US Army Corps of Engineers, to “implement a reduction .. of flow of 10%” on Martin Dam.  He said that if they continue at the current flow, Lake Martin will be at its drought contingency level by July 4.  In short, they want to reduce the flow so that the water level on Lake Martin might have a chance of not plummeting as quickly this summer.

Col. Taylor has responded by notifying the public about this request, to give everyone a chance to have some input.  On page 3 of his notice, Col. Taylor notes that if the proposed changes are NOT implemented,  APC has indicated that the  “impact of maintaining (the current) release to the Alabama River has fallen completely on the remaining storage at Lake Martin…… Lake Martin is projected to be 14 feet below the rule curve by early August.”  I might not be right, but I read that to mean that unless something changes, Lake Martin’s water level will be at 476 by August.

What can I do?

You can contact Chuck Sumner and let him know that you support the proposed reduction in flow from Martin Dam.  Maybe you don’t support it; you can tell him that, too. 

Email:   Chuck Sumner, Inland Environmental Team
           lewis.c.sumner@sam.usace.army.mil  (thanks Mav)

Fax:  (251)694–3815

Voice: (251)694–3857

Snail mail:

District Engineer
U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile
P.O. Box 2288
Mobile, AL 36628–0001

DEADLINE:  10 CALENDAR DAYS FROM MAY 31, 2007

Please act now!  This won’t restore Lake Martin to its normal summer level, and might not even keep us from dipping below 480.  But at least it gives us a fighting chance!

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Drought & Alabama Power Lower Lake Martin Level

May 26th, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin’s water level is low this year, and it could get even lower.

Alabama Power says that Lake Martin’s water level started dropping on May 18 and “could be much lower on July 4.”

It is no news flash that Alabama and much of the southeast has suffered a severe drought so far in 2007.  This follows on the heels of a dry 2006.  Since part of Lake Martin’s existence depends on it maintaining a certain level downstream, it has been affected.

 

The folks at Alabama Power are not optimistic: “most streams that feed our lakes are at the lowest levels ever recorded.”

Lake Martin usually is filled to full pool, or 490 feet above sea level, by May.  As of May 15 it was just under 486, and dropping.  They are even reporting to FERC about the lower water flow.

Again, a quote from Alabama Power: “Martin is not expected to fill above 486 and will begin to drop May 18.”

Get used to it folks; prepare yourselves for reality.

Alabama Power owns the hydroelectric Martin Dam that dams the Tallapoosa River, creating Lake Martin.  They control the water level to try and balance their power generating needs with ecological effects, recreational effects, and the commercial navigation of the Alabama River, which is downstream of the Tallapoosa.

Alabama Power is currently distributing the word through news agencies and their own press releases  that we had better be ready for a long, dry summer.

 

Related Posts:

When Does The Water Level Go Down On Lake Martin?
Mythbuster: Alabama Power Leased Lots – Lake Martin

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Mythbuster: Alabama Power Leased Lots - Lake Martin

May 12th, 2007 categories: Buying Tips, Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Regulations and Red Tape

Alabama Power has leased waterfront lots on Lake Martin for decades.  Yet, so much rumor, speculation, and innuendo surrounds the topic it remains mysterious to many people, real estate agents included.

Allow me to try to bust the myth on this subject.

 

Why are there leased lots on Lake Martin?

Lake Martin was created in 1923 when the Southern Company (Alabama Power) built Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River.  They bought up all of the eventual waterfront at the elevation of 490 feet above sea level.  Since old Mr. Ben Russell (founder of Russell Mills), already owned the damming rights to the Tallapoosa, the Power Company swapped him those rights for one half of the waterfront.  Pretty much every inch of the 700 miles of waterfront of Lake Martin at one time or another was owned by either Alabama Power or Old Mr. Ben.

 

When did Alabama Power begin to lease lots on Lake Martin?

Sometime around in the 1960s, Alabama Power allowed people to build homes on the waterfront, but they retained ownership of the land underneath the home.  The people own the sticks and bricks, the company owns the dirt.  The people paid a monthly lease to do so.  Over the years, depending on the opinions of officers at Alabama Power, the homeowners were given the chance to buy the dirt under their homes.  No rhyme or reason to it, some years they would decide to sell, other years they would institute leases.  That policy continues today.  Who knows, they may decide to start selling lots to leaseholders tomorrow.  They might not.

 

How does a lot lease work on Lake Martin?

These days, when Alabama Power leases a waterfront lot to homeowners, they have a written lease, just like you would for an apartment.  The lease specifies the monthly rate (currently around $400), the length of the lease (currently twenty years), and the yearly increase of the rate.  The key here is that every lot is different, so if you’re concerned, consult a lawyer.  Alabama Power assigns the lease amount when they offer new lots for lease.  They offer the lots in a bid system, meaning, the homeowners bid offers of cash to pay for the privilege of entering the lease.  If you are the top bidder, then you must pay the monthly lease rate on top of that.

 

What happens at the lease end?

Again, you must examine each lease to be sure of how it works.  But generally speaking, at the end of the lease, one of 4 things can happen:

1.  Alabama Power renews the lease
2.  Alabama Power sells you the lot
3.  Alabama Power buys the house from you
4.  You pick up the house and leave.

My family has been selling real estate in the Lake Martin area since 1953.  We have never heard of Alabama Power buying a house, or making someone move their house away.  Not that it is impossible, but it is, in my opinion, highly, highly, improbable.  Most of the time they either renew the lease or sell you the lot.  Once again, if in doubt, talk to a lawyer.

 

Can you sell a leased lot home?

One word answer - YES.  There are plenty of great leased lot homes for sale now (like this one) on Lake Martin and many that have sold in the past.  Generally speaking, you can get more house or view for your money on a leased lot house than you can on a deeded lot home, because of the existence of the lease. The transaction works just like a deeded lot sale, except you have the added step of transferring the lease to the new owner.  Alabama Power must approve this transfer, but usually it’s just a matter of paperwork.

 

Can you finance a leased lot home?

YES - easily.  I almost always recommend that Lake Martin buyers use lenders from around the lake.  Not because I am related to any many of them, but because lake financing is usually a bit different than your standard McHouse in McSuburbia.  Local lenders are especially handy when it comes to financing a leased lot home.  They are familiar with all of the documentation, so it’s a lot easier to work with them.

 

Do you own a leased lot home and have some advice to add?  Or maybe you have questions that I haven’t answered here.  If so, please comment on this post and I will do my best to answer anything else.

 

Related posts:

When Does The Water Level Go Down On Lake Martin?

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Hey Lake Martin Fishermen - Live Bait For Sale!

April 24th, 2007 categories: Entertainment, Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin live bait fishermen have a new spot to buy bait.  Kowaliga Live Bait And Tackle is open for business.  The new store on Kowaliga Road (aka Highway 63) is south of Kowaliga Bridge.  In fact, it’s just south of my office, a tad north of the intersection with Highway 229.

The other day while driving to my office, I saw their sign, and I was so surprised that I chuckled.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  I can’t remember the last time a new bait shop opened on Lake Martin.

Then, I was surprised that I was surprised.  Why not a new live bait shop?  Lake Martin has 700 miles of shoreline spread over 40,000 acres, and great fishing.  So why isn’t the live bait industry thriving right now?

When I was growing up on Lake Martin, if you wanted to fish, most of the time you used bait.  You could stop by any old fillin station and at the very least they would sell crickets and worms.  It was commonplace.  In these days of clean, sparkly, mega-marts that sell hamburgers, haircuts, sub sandwiches, and also gas, the live bait selection has suffered.  You really have to hunt around to find it.  And even then, it’s hard to find the OSHA-defying oily tubs packed with minnows, and the stench, activity, and din of a room full of crickets.  To me, surviving a trip to the bait shop was half the fun of fishing.

Lake Martin is changing.  Is it just me, or are there really fewer live bait fishermen out there today?  The fish are still there.  Are they only being pursued by the plastic worm wielders and buzz bait boys?  Or are the fishermen being replaced by boaters?  I don’t fish as much as I used to; work is my excuse.  I’m looking forward to fishing a lot more this summer with my sons.

Incidentally, isn’t it also a sign of the times that the live bait guy has protected his business by forming an LLC?  Really - an actual legal entity was formed for the purposes, I assume, of “sellin crickets, worms, & minners.”  I applaud Kowaliga Live Bait And Tackle, and wish them the best of luck.  The next time my boys are at the cabin, our first trip will be to this new live bait guy.

If you have a tip on where else to find good bait – leave a comment / reply to this post and let us all know where to go…

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When does the Water Level go down on Lake Martin?

January 30th, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Regulations and Red Tape

When does the water go down?  Does this house have water year round?  

I hear this a lot.  When people are looking for homes or a lot on Lake Martin, they soon learn that the lake’s water level fluctuates.  Depending on your preferences, this might affect where on the lake you choose to be.  If you are not aware of the lake level’s changes, it may affect how happy you are with your purchase.  If you want to be able to take a New Year’s Eve boat ride, you will be disappointed if you are high and dry with no water in the winter.  Or, maybe you prefer a quiet cove off of the main thoroughfare.  In that case, don’t over pay for a place that doesn’t fit your needs.  You need to learn a little about Lake Martin in order to make the right decision. 

Why does the lake level go up and down?  First, you need to know that Lake Martin was created back in then 1920s when the company that is now Alabama Power dammed the Tallapoosa River.  The Tallapoosa River joins the Coosa River to form the Alabama River near Montgomery.  The Alabama flows all the way to Mobile Bay, and is a navigable river. The Alabama River must maintain a certain level so that barges can move up and down it.   

So, part of the reason the Martin Dam exists is to ensure that the Alabama has a certain amount of water flow.  Since Alabama Power owns the dam, they (with permission of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) decide how to regulate the water level.  So how does this affect your lake house?

Read the rest of this entry »

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Lake Martin Links You Can’t Live Without

January 1st, 2007 categories: Lake Martin, Lake Martin History, Lake Martin Living

Here are some great websites for the Lake Martin area that you may find useful:

LakeMartin.com– a great site for what’s going on now.

Utilities:

1. Cable TV / Cable Access Internet

• Charter serves Tallapoosa County
• ComLink Inc serves Elmore County by Kowaliga 800-722-2805

2. Land Line Phone / DSL Internet

• Windstream serves the Eclectic and Kowaliga Areas
• BellSouth (soon to be AT&T) serves pretty much everywhere else

3. Power – Alabama Power serves everything (Hey – what’s the use of building Lake Martin if you can’t serve all of the power to the area?)

4. Water -

• Tallapoosa County
  Dadeville - City of Dadeville
  Alexander City - City of Alexander City
  Walnut Hill - Tallapoosa County other than above - 256-825-9841
• Elmore County - Central Elmore Water Authority - 334-567-6814
• Coosa County 256-234-4784

5. Trash / Waste Removal

• City of Alexander City
• Sunflower Waste

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