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Four Lakes Task Force is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managed and operated by lake residents and industry experts. It serves as a "Delegated Authority" for Midland and Gladwin counties to administer and oversee the maintenance and operations of the four dams and lakes, so the lake communities can enjoy the water long into the future.
OUR GOALS
Four Lakes Task Force is engaged with public officials, and has three main goals.
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Return all four lakes to the normal (legal) lake levels.
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Implement a sustainable structure to manage and maintain the four dams to ensure a sustainable lake system.
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Establish an environmental and recreational plan that can be managed by each lake's community.
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History
1924 ~ The four dams and lakes were constructed to generate hydro-electric power.
September 2018 ~ The formal work of Four Lakes Task Force (FLTF) was set in motion when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) revoked the power generation license from Edenville Dam. This began the process by a group of volunteers from each of the Lake Associations (later to formally become the Four Lakes Task Force, a Michigan non-profit and IRS 501(c)(3) organization) to ensure long-term viability of the four lakes.
May 2019 ~ Following numerous public hearings and completion of a lake level study, Midland Circuit Court Judge Stephan Carras (also sitting on special assignment for the Gladwin Circuit Court), signed the Lake Level Order under Part 307 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (MCL 324.30701 et seq) (“Part 307”). This established normal or legal lake levels for Wixom, Sanford, Smallwood and Secord lakes, the Four Lakes Special Assessment District (SAD), and recognized the authority for FLTF, as the County Delegated Authority, to acquire, repair and then operate the four dams on behalf of Midland and Gladwin counties.
December 2020 ~ FLTF granted a motion to acquire the dams through condemnation (AKA eminent domain).
May 25, 2021 ~ FERC surrenders hydropower licenses of Secord, Smallwood and Sanford dams, transferring jurisdiction to the state and counties.
October 28, 2021 ~ The Tittabawassee River once again flows in its original path through the Edenville Dam.
March 24, 2022 ~ State of Michigan Congress and Governor approve an appropriation nearing $5 billion which included $200 million for FLTF to support the restoration and rebuilding of the Four Lakes Dams
January 15, 2024 ~ FLTF Board of Directors pass resolutions approving the 2025-2029 Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Assessment and Capital Improvements Assessment rolls and computations of costs.
February 7, 2024 ~ Midland and Gladwin county boards of commissioners unanimously vote in favor of the 2025-2029 O&M and Capital Improvements assessment rolls and costs, and the plan of financing.
February 20, 2024 ~ Heron Cove Association (HCA) files appeal.
April 11, 2025 ~ Michigan Supreme Court denies HCA's Application for Leave to Appeal.
June 19, 2025 ~ FLTF secures $80 million in bond financing.
July 2025 ~ Construction resumes on all dams.
February 2026 ~ Sanford Dam substantially complete.
September 2018 ~ The formal work of Four Lakes Task Force (FLTF) was set in motion when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) revoked the power generation license from Edenville Dam. This began the process by a group of volunteers from each of the Lake Associations (later to formally become the Four Lakes Task Force, a Michigan non-profit and IRS 501(c)(3) organization) to ensure long-term viability of the four lakes.
May 2019 ~ Following numerous public hearings and completion of a lake level study, Midland Circuit Court Judge Stephan Carras (also sitting on special assignment for the Gladwin Circuit Court), signed the Lake Level Order under Part 307 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (MCL 324.30701 et seq) (“Part 307”). This established normal or legal lake levels for Wixom, Sanford, Smallwood and Secord lakes, the Four Lakes Special Assessment District (SAD), and recognized the authority for FLTF, as the County Delegated Authority, to acquire, repair and then operate the four dams on behalf of Midland and Gladwin counties.
December 2020 ~ FLTF granted a motion to acquire the dams through condemnation (AKA eminent domain).
May 25, 2021 ~ FERC surrenders hydropower licenses of Secord, Smallwood and Sanford dams, transferring jurisdiction to the state and counties.
October 28, 2021 ~ The Tittabawassee River once again flows in its original path through the Edenville Dam.
March 24, 2022 ~ State of Michigan Congress and Governor approve an appropriation nearing $5 billion which included $200 million for FLTF to support the restoration and rebuilding of the Four Lakes Dams
January 15, 2024 ~ FLTF Board of Directors pass resolutions approving the 2025-2029 Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Assessment and Capital Improvements Assessment rolls and computations of costs.
February 7, 2024 ~ Midland and Gladwin county boards of commissioners unanimously vote in favor of the 2025-2029 O&M and Capital Improvements assessment rolls and costs, and the plan of financing.
February 20, 2024 ~ Heron Cove Association (HCA) files appeal.
April 11, 2025 ~ Michigan Supreme Court denies HCA's Application for Leave to Appeal.
June 19, 2025 ~ FLTF secures $80 million in bond financing.
July 2025 ~ Construction resumes on all dams.
February 2026 ~ Sanford Dam substantially complete.
Community Partners
We work collaboratively with the following community organizations that support our mission. Look for our logo on FLTF-affiliated websites and social media pages.
governance
The dams and operations are governed by the following State of Michigan regulatory bodies:
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Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
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Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
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