 Central Michigan University (CMU) Biology Department and CMU Institute for Great Lakes Research will have multiple researchers out in the Wixom and Sanford lake areas as well as some surrounding tributaries and dams performing surveys for native freshwater mussels (i.e., clams). They will be working from the banks, canoes or boats and may use SCUBA to access sites. CMU will be out determining site access prior to June and surveys will begin the week of June 1st, 2022. CMU completed similar surveys in the Secord and Smallwood lake areas during the summer of 2021.
Walleye fishing season begins Saturday, April 30th. There will be three available fishing locations at the Four Lakes dams beginning this weekend: Secord Dam, Smallwood Dam and the Tobacco side of Edenville Dam.
On January 20, the Midland Daily News (MDN) had a front-page article about increasing sightings of coyotes in and around Sanford Lake. A local resident also advised FLTF of abundant coyotes hunting and living among the recently sprouted trees on the Wixom Lake bottomland. The MDN article included comments from individuals proposing hunting as a way to deal with the coyotes.
Uncontrolled growing vegetation, especially as it relates to invasive species and large mono-species tree growth on the bottomlands is a concern of many lake owners and Four Lakes Task Force. Bottomland vegetation is part of the environmental restoration plan that FLTF is implementing. However, we have determined that it is not feasible to implement a Four Lakes-wide program this year for these reasons:
Summer will be a busy time on the Four Lakes, with work continuing to stabilize the dams, remove debris and vegetation from the lakebottoms, and activate new monitoring instrumentation. Here’s a rundown of what to expect:
Is Four Lakes Task Force doing anything about vegetation on the lakebottoms?
Yes, we're working on a plan to manage the trees and vegetation growing on the lakebottoms. We're collaborating with 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 more specific plan later this summer. Rest assured the option will be safe for people, pets and desirable plant life. Safety is a priority! 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. |
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©2021 | Four Lakes Task Force is a US 501 (c)(3) public charity, EIN 27-4698447.
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