Historic Preservation Reviews Completed

​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. 

​A culturally significant artifact could be anything considered important to native peoples or people of the region such as a burial site, pottery, arrowheads, leather, clothing, weapons, or other items from previous settlements. SHPO also looks at structures to determine if they have historic or cultural value, and requires research into the site's historic uses. 
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Environmental consultant Merjent conducted the study from summer to fall 2021. Its work included field testing with archeologists and literature reviews of documentation on the sites. The reports are in and the findings indicate there is nothing historically significant on the Four Lakes dam sites. FLTF can proceed as planned without any special conditions placed on the properties.

The completion of this process is another step toward restoring the lakes and dams. 

Check out the reports by clicking on your lake: Secord, Smallwood, and Wixom​Sanford Dam. Note: Please check back on the Sanford Dam page for its report, coming soon.