 In 2022, Central Michigan University researchers conducted 69 surveys. These surveys detected 17 live species and a total of 739 live individual mussels, most notably the federally endangered Snuffbox and the Michigan state endangered Black Sandshell. Their interactive StoryMap report shares their findings along with photos and videos.
In addition, the research team is working on developing maps for individual species that they will share when completed.  FLTF expects to receive the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) permit for the Smallwood Dam project this week. Once we receive the permit, it means that final construction to restore the dam can take place. EGLE received comments from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency during its review process. FLTF will continue to work with EGLE throughout the construction process to ensure the project is completed per the permit requirements.
FLTF recovered some personal items from the Wixom and Sanford bottomlands that property owners are encouraged to claim if they'd like to have the item. Any items that remain in FLTF's possession on December 31, 2022, will be considered abandoned and either sold or scrapped.
FLTF awarded the contract for constructing Secord and Smallwood dams to Midland-based Fisher Contracting. Fisher was the lowest of two bidders. Eight other companies were approved through FLTF’s pre-qualification process but chose not to bid.
In spring 2022, Four Lakes Task Force began the process to pre-qualify construction firms for the Secord and Smallwood dam restoration projects. The result is a list of eight contractors. Of those, four confirmed their intention to bid. One company is local to the Great Lakes Bay Region. The formal bid documents were released on October 17, 2022.
The Smallwood Dam project constitutes a more extensive review process and is defined as a “Major Project." This means that the project requires concurrent federal review (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)) as defined in the state and federal Clean Water Act Section 404 Program Memorandum of Agreement. The reason it is a “Major Project” is because over five acres of wetland will be impacted during construction.
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