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:
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:
What Requires Permission Activities requiring permission that must be reviewed by FLTF first:
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 TreesFLTF 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 PlantsTo 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.
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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.
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.
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?