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. 

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. 

On October 20, 2022, over 200 attendees, 16 vendors and 11 presenters filed into the Midland Center for the Arts for an all-day event about the path to Four Lakes restoration. What follows is a summary of the symposium.