The Reverend Tucker was an amiable man, well liked and admired by everyone. Although much has changed since Reverend Tucker's time, the area remains strikingly beautiful and picturesque, with many visitors expressing their appreciation of the Corps maintaining the aesthetic qualities of the lake and shoreline.
Federal regulations prohibit private exclusive use of public lands surrounding the lake.
This has created an experience that is similar to fishing on a remote Canadian lake while being surrounded by civilization. A unique experience for most outdoor enthusiasts in the area. History Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake, a multipurpose project constructed under the supervision of the Savannah District, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, was authorized for construction by the 1966 Flood Control Act as Trotters Shoals Lake, later renamed to commemorate a late senator from Georgia, Richard B. Russell. The authorization document outlined the plan of development for the basin with authorized purposes of power production, incidental flood control, recreation, additional stream flow regulation, water supply, and fish and wildlife management. Permanent filling of the reservoir began in October 1983 and reached full pool of 26,650 acres at elevation 475 msl in December 1984.