POWERGRAMS

17 Alabama Power's Environmental Affairs organization. She noted that the company communicates closely with federal agencies charged with protecting the turtle, to help ensure that shoreline stabilization projects are done correctly – and only at the right time of the year. The shoreline improvements in areas with suitable habitat can only take place in the fall and winter, when the turtles aren't active. And while the process can be more complex than simply building a seawall, Smith Lake residents are increasingly embracing ENS. "I think it's great, it's wonderful," said Leslie Edens. Since 2020, she and husband, Tim, have lived year- round on Smith Lake in Winston County, near Brushy Creek. The Edens and a neighboring landowner have both repaired their eroding shoreline using ENS, and Leslie is thrilled with the results. "We love it. I would say the view is better than it was." Leslie said she prefers the more natural-looking water's edge. On her property it's a combination of varied-sized rocks, timber and native plantings. She said she enjoys observing an array of wildlife on the lake and on her piece of the shoreline, from turtles to snakes to bald eagles and a variety of other birds. "The birds around here, they're crazy; we have so many." "I'm all for the turtles, I'm all for wildlife," Leslie said. Cochran praised the years of work and study by Baker and Fitch, and the entire Alabama Power team working on Smith Lake, calling them "consummate professionals." "They do an incredible job," Cochran said. "It's super helpful to the Forest Service." "It's a great partnership," Cochran added. "It's a very fruitful relationship." A SURPRISING FIND Back on the water in April, the search for flattened musk turtles – this time – turned out to be not so fruitful. But as Fitch hauled in one of the last baited traps, there was a surprising discovery. Inside was a tiny turtle, but not of the flattened musk variety. It had a spiny backside and a patterned underside the color of sea foam. At first glance, Baker and Fitch weren't sure what species they had captured. So, they texted a photo to an expert. Hours later, the answer came back. To everyone's amazement, it was a juvenile Graptemys pulchra or Alabama map turtle, a state-protected species. Over a span of more than 10 years trapping turtles on Smith Lake, Baker and Fitch had never seen one. Cochran, too, was pleasantly surprised when she learned of the unexpected catch. It was a cool twist to a day that otherwise would have been mildly disappointing. On the other hand, as almost anyone who loves nature and the outdoors would say, a disappointing day on the lake beats a good day in the office, every time. Allison Cochran, an Alabama-based wildlife biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, is among the experts working with Alabama Power and others to help protect the threatened flattened musk turtle at Smith Lake. Here are some simple tips for lake residents and visitors that can help protect wildlife and water quality at the lake, which is also an important regional drinking water source. These same tips are recommended for all Alabama Power lakes: GO NATURAL – When landscaping your lakeside property, use more native plants and less grass, which often requires herbicides and fertilizer. Or even better: Leave the land as natural as possible. FIGHT EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION – These are some of the greatest threats to wildlife and water quality. Proper shoreline management is key to reducing erosion and the amount of unwanted sediment sliding into the lake. For guidance and information about permitting requirements for any proposed shoreline construction, property owners can contact the Alabama Power Shoreline Management office at Smith Lake at 205-384-7385, or through www.apcshorelines.com or the Smart Lakes app. And if you're a boater, keep those erosion-inducing wakes to a minimum when close to shore. CHECK THAT SEPTIC SYSTEM – Poorly operating septic systems can lead to some nasty stuff leaching into a lake. Make sure you are properly maintaining your septic system, and scheduling an inspection and routine pumping as recommended by your service provider. DON'T LITTER – The trash you leave behind can make its way into the lake after the next rainstorm. This includes stray fishhooks and old fishing line, which can strangle wildlife. Dispose of trash properly, and recycle whenever possible. Tips for turtles, cleaner water and a better environment Interested in helping keep Alabama lakes and rivers clean? Join other volunteers at the next Renew Our Rivers cleanup. View the latest schedule at www.apcshorelines.com or by searching for "Renew Our Rivers" at www.alabamapower.com. Leslie and Tim Edens

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