Aerial Treatments Approved by EGLE to Control Woody Vegetation
in Wixom and Sanford Lakebeds

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) recently issued permits allowing aerial treatments to control woody growth - mainly Cottonwoods, Willows and Aspen - that sprouted and are growing vigorously in the dry lakebeds since the dam failures in 2020...
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Fishing Locations

• Tobacco Spillway - east side of the water channel below the dam
• Smallwood Dam - southeast side of water channel below the dam (McKimmey Rd. entrance)
• Secord Dam - both sides of the water channel below the dam

Recreation

Acceptable Activities
Typical recreation when conducted responsibly includes:

• Access to docks or other structures that have been permitted by the respective county permitting authority; the permitted upland property owner; or FLTF on behalf of the respective county
• Hiking or fishing in unrestricted public areas
• Use of open federal, state, local or private boat ramps
• Sightseeing
• The permitted upland property owners have a right to access the bottomlands from their property
• Non-resident access is only allowed from unrestricted public access points along the four lakes
• Waterfowl hunting, trapping and fishing consistent with previous use and following all state and federal rules and regulations, Individuals do so at their own risk. ​Fishing access points: 
  • Tobacco Spillway - east side of the water channel below the dam
  • Smallwood Dam - southeast side of water channel below the dam (McKimmey Rd. entrance)
  • Secord Dam - both sides of the water channel below the dam
• Dogs or other animals must be under immediate control
• Kayaking, canoeing, boating and swimming provided all state and federal rules and regulations are followed. Individuals do so at their own risk
• Mowing/weed whacking by property owners at the edge of their shorelines following guidelines​

THESE GUIDELINES DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN INVITATION TO ACCESS OR USE THE BOTTOMLANDS THAT WERE FORMERLY LAKES.  ALL ENTRY AND ACTIVITY IS AT THE USER'S SOLE RISK.  NEITHER GLADWIN NOR MIDLAND COUNTIES NOR FOUR LAKES TASK FORCE ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES, INJURIES OR DEATH RESULTING FROM ACCESS TO, OR ACTIVITIES UPON THE BOTTOMLANDS.

What's Not Allowed 
Recreational activities that are more dangerous and NOT permissible per the rules include:

• Deer or upland game hunting
• Rifle hunting (hunting with shotguns, in compliance with state hunting regulations and bottomland use rules is permitted)
• Setting animal traps
• Camping
• Open fires or burn areas
• Bike riding
• Horseback riding
• ORV (outdoor recreational vehicle) or snowmobile riding
• Digging or otherwise disturbing the ground on the bottomlands without a permit
• Stump removal
• Building or placing structures on the bottomlands (i.e. pools, tiki huts, etc.)

What Requires Permission
Activities requiring permission that must be reviewed by FLTF first:

• Cutting stumps, small trees and shrubs without causing rutting or disturbance of sediment to lower injury potential or damage to boat props. Cut logs must be removed from bottomlands. STUMP ATTACHED TO THE LAKEBOTTOM CANNOT CANNOT BE REMOVED WITHOUT A PERMIT FROM EGLE
• Debris removal and/or recovering lost property are permitted provided the activity is performed safely and the debris is disposed of properly

To receive permission, download the form and email the completed version to info@fourlakestaskforce.org. In your email include a description of the activity and the person/people performing it. After sending the signed Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form, FLTF will give you a letter of permission for the activity.

If a public service group activity is being planned such as a community flood debris cleanup day, FLTF will work with you on gaining permission.

These lists are not comprehensive. Contact FLTF with questions.

Safety

The May 2020 flooding event significantly changed the Four Lakes bottomlands. The water levels at Four Lakes will continue to be abnormally low due to the need to make dam repairs and/or dam section replacements. The length of time to restore the water levels in the Four Lakes is unknown. This means the public may encounter hazards when traversing the shorelines, bottomlands or waters of the Four Lakes that did not previously exist. Therefore, when visiting the bottomlands, the public should take into consideration the new conditions of the area. Because of environmental erosion and habitat concerns, the bottomlands are not intended for unlimited recreational use. People should limit their use of the bottomlands to protect property, ensure safety and respect the habitat. .

Managing Cottonwood and Willow Trees 

FLTF is working on a plan to manage the trees and vegetation growing on the lakebottoms. We are collaborating with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), the townships and weed assessment districts to work out a plan. It is too early to share details but property owners can look for a detailed plan later in Summer 2021. Be assured the option will be safe for people, pets and desirable plant life. Safety is our first priority.

​You can read about our vegetation management plan on page 67 of the Restoration Plan/Feasibility Study.

Managing Invasive Plants

To manage the growth of phragmites, an invasive plant, we will work with the EGLE on professionally applying an appropriate herbicide. For large stands of phragmites, controlled burning my be an effective measure. Control methods will be selected on a case-by-case basis. The Gladwin County and Midland County conservation offices will be consulted for assistance with invasive plant species control. 

Invasive phragmites can grow to be 15 feet tall with many stems in a small area. Source: MSU Extension Michigan Sea Grant

Dredging

 FLTF has the authority under Part 307 of Public Act 451 of 1994 to establish and maintain a legal lake level. Part 307 does not grant FLTF the general authority to manage the water depth in the lake (i.e., dredging). A Part 309 lake improvement board has the authority to dredge lakes. The same is true for a township under the Public Improvements Act, Public Act 188 of 1954.
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Those who are interested in dredging should consider collaborating with their neighbors to find solutions. Dredging in the lakebed requires a permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Please reach out to your county drain commissioner or township supervisor for more information.

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Questions?

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