Over the last year, Four Lakes Task Force laid foundational pieces for recovery and restoration. These accomplishments positioned us well for 2022 and we remain optimistic and hopeful that we can successfully restore the lakes if the community works together and stays positive and focused.

​In 2021 we were able to connect with many property owners through 16 public meetings, 60 news flashes and 64 website updates. Our erosion team was also hard at work stabilizing over two miles of shoreline.

Four Lakes Task Force made considerable progress on dam stabilization for Secord, Smallwood, Wixom and Sanford lakes during the last year. FLTF estimates about $20 million in funding is needed to stabilize the dams and properties. This work is necessary to minimize further shoreline erosion, protect properties, prevent further damage and erosion downstream, and safeguard property owners. All work conducted on the lakes and dams will be the foundation for final dam and lake level restoration.

The multi-billion-dollar water infrastructure bill (Senate Supplemental Bill 565) was unanimously reported Wednesday, December 1, to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and included an allocation of $250 million to be used to restore the Four Lakes Task Force dams and Secord, Smallwood, Wixom and Sanford lakes.

Since the release of the interim Independent Forensic Team (IFT) report, Four Lakes Task Force and its consulting engineers have conducted their review of the report to get a better understanding of how the team formed its conclusions. 

Please see the FLTF Response to the IFT Report for more details, and watch this video to learn more about why Edenville Dam failed.

Key Takeaways for the Restoration of the Dams:

​Findings Indicate We Can Press On!
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Of the many regulatory requirements related to restoration of the dams and lakes is one involving the State Historic Preservation Office, known as SHPO. To receive state permits and federal funding, the National Historic Preservation Act requires an archaeological and architectural history investigation be submitted to SHPO for its review and consultation to determine if there will be any adverse impacts to cultural resources associated with the dams and the dam properties.