The restoration of Secord, Smallwood, Wixom and Sanford dams and lakes to re-establish the Part 307 normal (legal) lake levels provides the most benefits to the public, best preserves the natural resources of Michigan, and preserves and protects property values, all while maintaining a commitment to public safety.
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FLTF, as the counties' Part 307 Delegated Authority, has been chartered to return and maintain the lake levels. There are many restoration projects that will take place over the coming years as required by the permits to restore Edenville and Sanford dams. While Secord and Smallwood did not completely lose all their lake capacity, there is community work needed to prepare the lakes to return.

Restoring the Environment

Refilling the lakes is the best alternative and has the largest positive environmental impact. Further restoration efforts will accelerate and revive the four lakes to their original environmental capacity. The lakes will once again be destinations for native plants and animals, and full of beautiful places to enjoy and make memories year-round.

Provide critical habitat, breeding grounds and sources of food for animal species

Guard against invasive species

Control erosion and sediment migration

Contribute to success of businesses that depend on the lakes

Improve water quality 

Enrich quality of life for lake and nearby property owners

Restoration Activities

As required by state regulations in the Edenville and Sanford Dams Part 301 dam restoration permits

To mitigate lake-fill impacts, lake environmental restoration will be an ongoing effort in collaboration with restoration partners. Activities include the following:

• Monitor the rehydration of wetlands
• Install educational placards at project locations
• Host educational programs to inform property owners about how their activities can help limit environmental impact
• Add fish habitat structures and spawning areas
• Upgrade culvert capacity
• Install native vegetation buffers and natural shoreline enhancements
• Manage, prevent and monitor invasive species
• Create fishing access on dam properties
• Develop lake monitoring plans related to mussel habitat

Click the button or image below to see a map and read descriptions of the planned environmental restoration projects.

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RESTORATION PARTNERS

1. Townships and lake improvement boards
2. Lake associations
3. State and federal agencies
4. Conservation nonprofits
5. Regional schools, colleges and universities

Support Restoration Efforts

Caring for the environment will always be a priority on the Four Lakes. It’s a substantial job that requires teamwork, collaboration and urgency as the lakes are refilled.
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Four Lakes Task Force asks for your support in restoring the Tobacco and Tittabawassee river systems. FLTF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on grants and donations for environmental work. It does not receive funding from Gladwin or Midland counties, and Four Lakes’ Special Assessment funds cannot be used on environmental restoration. 

I Want to Support Restoration Efforts!