Dear LMRA Member,

LMRA has been working hard for the betterment of Lake Martin for more than fifty years, and we approach this new year stronger and more committed than ever. When Ben Russell started LMRA in the early 70s, he was primarily focused on stabilizing lake levels and crime prevention. While these are still concerns in 2022, they are not our primary focus. The huge growth in boating activity increases our concern about boating safety, shoreline erosion and litter—both on the shoreline and adjacent roadsides. The continuing population growth of our neighboring state will always represent a threat to both water quantity and water quality, and we must remain vigilant as possible threats arise.

We lost three long-time, dedicated board members in 2021, Tommy Abernathy, Wayne Shell and Dr. Larry Tuggle. Dr. Tuggle had served our organization since 1972. Wayne Shell was a long-time lake resident who was very instrumental in recruiting new LMRA members. We are excited with the introduction of three new Board members in this edition of Lake Lines.

Our Buoy Program has become the model that other lake organizations would like to replicate. Rendell Clark could not have found a better replacement than Randy Kirkland, who has formed a strong support team.

We had another very successful year recruiting volunteers to participate in a spring roadside cleanup and the annual “Renew our Rivers” fall cleanup.

We hope to be able to host our annual membership meetings in the spring as we have in past years. We all benefit from being able to interact with each other, whether it be at a meeting or working side by side removing litter from our roadsides and shoreline.

Stay safe, stay in touch, and have another wonderful year enjoying our Treasured Lake.

Sincerely,

John Thompson, President