Through the years, Shorelines has featured many projects, organizations and partners who work together to strengthen wildlife habitats and protect the river ecosystems across Alabama. Here’s a look at some of the initiatives, projects, organizations and volunteers who are giving back on our reservoirs and making an impact in stewardship and conservation.
Spawning
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources biologists keep tabs on the lakes’ water temperatures and other conditions that trigger spawning in gamefish. When the conditions are right, they contact Alabama Power officials, who restrict or increase flow to keep the lake levels stable.
Spawning success on Alabama’s lakes
Treasured Mile
Lake Martin Resource Association, Russell Lands and Alabama Power teamed up to create The Treasured Mile program, which launched this year on Lake Martin. See how the leadership of LMRA President John Thompson and Russell Lands CEO Tim Lamberth, along with the commitment of many volunteers, is helping to keep the lake clean.
Treasured Miles on Lake Martin
Fish Habitats
Recycled Christmas trees, as well as other types of material used in habitat enhancement, provide a place — called a substrate — for algae, microorganisms and macro invertebrates to attach themselves and colonize. These small organisms and insects attract small baitfish that feed on them, which in turn attracts larger predator fish, such as bass, crappie and catfish. See how lake organizations, volunteers and students are aiding in this effort.
Montevallo students help enhance fish habitats
New fish habitats on Weiss Lake
How water willow is enhancing fishing on Smith Lake
Renew Our Rivers
In 1999, Alabama Power employee Gene Phifer spearheaded the first cleanup on the Coosa River. That effort, which began with employees cleaning a 2-mile stretch of waterway near Plant Gadsden, has grown into multiple cleanups with thousands of volunteers joining forces to remove trash from river systems across the Southeast.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker
Through a continuing partnership of Alabama Power, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the red-cockaded woodpecker is making a comeback along the shores of Lake Mitchell. The bird has been on the Endangered Species List since 1970, in part because of the degradation of the longleaf pine forests where the bird lives.
