FOUR LAKES task force

Restoring the dams so the lake communities can enjoy the water long into the future

LAKEBOTTOM MANAgement

Before taking action, review the rules and guidelines for managing vegetation and
​preparing the lakebottoms for lake refill.

Updates & NEws

October Construction News
10/6/2026
Smallwood Lake officially reached its normal legal level. With little rain, lake refill was slow. Sanford and Smallwood lakes will remain at their current levels until the lakes are required to be drawn down to winter
levels in December. On Secord Dam, crews reached several construction milestones and the dam’s estimated substantial
completion date still remains November 2026 with lake refill in the spring of 2027.
Read the October Construction News
Smallwood Lake Reached Normal Legal Level
10/5/26
Smallwood reached it’s summer legal level of 704.58 feet NAVD88 on October 5, 2026. It will stay at the summer legal level until it is drawn down in December.
MDNR Article: Fish Population Rebounding in Four Lakes
9/9/2026
​The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently released a preview of fishery results on Sanford and Secord lakes. They will publish a final report soon at Michigan.gov/FisheriesUnits. 
Read the full story

FLTF Lake System Information Map

FLTF released a new interactive map of the Four Lakes system. The map shows information such as: Depth contours, historic flowage rights, environmental mitigation projects, flood hazard areas, and updated aerial imagery. This is a useful tool for property owners and boaters to understand the lake system better. 

Documents
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