In the spring of 2006, citizens around the Lake of the Ozarks met in a series of meetings held at different locations around the entire lake shoreline to discuss issues concerning LOZ. Survey after survey showed the same results: citizens were concerned about safety and the water quality of the lake. That same spring, Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance was born and quickly adopted the following mission statement: Citizens will protect, preserve, and improve the Lake of the Ozarks, its watershed and natural resources while maintaining our economic, social, and environmental health. Since then, stakeholders from all around the Lake have come together to volunteer their time, energy, skills, and ideas to work together to keep the Lake of the Ozarks healthy and safe. In fact, safety issues are also health issues, and these were some of the very first issues LOWA tackled. Boats being driven by intoxicated individuals led LOWA to address two problems at once. A Designated Captain Program was established by LOWA to allow the driver of the boat to receive a non-alcoholic beverage at participating bars and restaurants. This successful program was later turned over to another citizen group at LOZ, the Lake Safety Council. In addition, dock slip sizes became an issue as AmerenUE was writing its Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). LOWA provided citizens with a forum in which to express their opinions and this survey of opinions did sway the results of the SMP. Safety issues at the lake also include the water quality of the lake which can affect the health of the public; and the stakeholders of the WMP focus area are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the Lake of the Ozarks.