bottomland guidelines

4/20/2021

GLADWIN AND MIDLAND COUNTIES AND FLTF ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES, INJURIES OR DEATH RESULTING FROM ACCESS TO, OR ACTIVITIES UPON THE BOTTOMLANDS. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.

FLTF, as the Delegated Authority for both Gladwin and Midland Counties under State of Michigan Part 307 regulations, has acquired the properties formerly owned by Boyce Hydro and will be managing these properties associated with the Secord, Smallwood, Wixom, and Sanford Lakes (Four Lakes), including shoreline and lake bottomland (defined as the shoreline area between the previous water’s edge and the current water’s edge) areas. FLTF is also managing the restoration of water levels for the Four Lakes; an effort that includes the redesign and reconstruction of dam and spillway-related structures, as appropriate.

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 that 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 the new conditions of the area into consideration. Due to environmental erosion and habitat concerns that exist therein, the bottomlands are not intended for unlimited recreational use. Limited use while protecting the health of the property, the safe use of the resources and being respectful to all is listed below.

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-residence access is only allowed from unrestricted public access points along the Four Lakes
Waterfowl hunting, trapping, and fishing consistent with previous use is permitted following all state and federal rules and regulations
Dogs or other animals must be under immediate control
Kayaking and canoeing are permitted provided all state and federal rules and regulations are followed
Mowing/weed whacking by property owners at the edge of their shorelines following guidelines

Activities requiring permission that must be reviewed by FLTF first:

Cutting stumps to lower injury potential or damaging boat props. Cut logs must be removed from bottomlands. STUMPS CANNOT BE REMOVED
Debris removal is permitted provided it is performed safely and the debris is disposed of properly

Recreational activities that are more dangerous and NOT permissible per the guidelines include:

Deer or upland game hunting
Camping
Open fires or burn areas
Bike riding
Horseback riding
ORV or snowmobile riding
Digging up 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.)

As the lakes are being restored, following common-sense rules and guidelines helps ensure that the bottomlands can be enjoyed in a manner that is safe and environmentally responsible.

As a reminder, the bottomlands are owned by Gladwin and Midland counties. However, they are NOT designated as park and recreation property.

THE ABOVE COMMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN INVITATION TO ACCESS OR USE THE BOTTOMLANDS THAT WERE FORMERLY LAKES. ALL ENTRY AND ACTIVITY IS AT THE USERS 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.

bottomland_use_recommendations_for_midland_and_gladwin_counties_4.20.21.pdf
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