I think we would all agree that Lake Martin has been busier than ever since early spring. In addition to our fulltime residents, many out-of-town homeowners and renters have taken refuge from the pandemic by coming to Lake Martin, where they can enjoy open air, beautiful scenery, going outside without fear, gorgeous sunsets, swimming and boating. The full lake level that we enjoy today is the result of a lot of hard work by many individuals, community leaders, public agencies, organizations – including the Home Owners and Boat Owners Association – and local, state and federal governments. As the incoming president of HOBOs, I wanted to know more about what an important part HOBOs played in making this happen. 

HOBOs is a nonprofit, all-volunteer advocacy group formed to protect and preserve Lake Martin and to represent the stakeholders of Lake Martin. It was started by a group of individuals that were concerned about our lake levels. We had experienced a severe drought that began in the winter of 2006 and lasted into April 2008. The lake was down 3 feet, and by July 2007, it was down 6 feet. These concerned citizens formed a steering committee, advertised, sent out flyers and put up road signs to encourage people from all areas of the lake to join in the effort to protect Lake Martin.Â