LATEST NEWS

April Morey, Fisheries Management Biologist with MDNR- Fisheries Division provided the following information to the SLA regarding the current fish kill and algae bloom. Most notably in the final paragraph she states "For now, continue to avoid contact with water that appears green, has visible surface scum, or otherwise looks unusual. Clear water is safe water": "I spoke with Brian Zuber, who is the lead for the Sanford Lake fish kill event and an Environmental Quality Analys

The SLA board of directors will present a proposed change to our bylaws at the August 12 Annual Meeting. We are seeking to move away from the "Restore the Lake" theme that we moved to in 2021 and revert back to a croader more balanced mission going forward. The proposed bylaw changes to be voted on are summarized in red text below. To review a full copy of the CURRENT SLA bylaws please click here. Here is a summary of the proposed change: Also at our upcoming Annual Membe

The SLA Annual Meeting will be on August 12 at 6pm, at the Village of Sanford Ball Park- large pavilion. There will be a potluck picnic and two guest speakers. The SLA will provide pulled pork sandwiches, plates, plasticware and napkins. Please have your dish to share placed by 6:00pm and bring your own drink (reminder, the park does not allow liquor). This year the main guest speaker will be Paul Hausler from Progressive AE. He is the professional scientist retained by th

Four Lakes Task Force has posted the most recent construction update summarizing the activity at each dam. As most people know, the Sanford Dam is substantially complete and is full to the winter level, at this time. Each dam is running within budget and hitting quality performance indicators. Only Smallwood and Secord are running a bit behind schedule. To read the full April News click here. Future events from FLTF include: May 13 Introduction to Natural Shorelines Webin

Please join the Four Lakes Task Force for an informational webinar on March 4, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Click here to register.

Help us bring it back! The Sanford Lake Association (SLA) is inviting local businesses and lakefront property owners to support the return of the Sanford Lake Fireworks. With the lake returning this spring, we are excited to bring back the fireworks (or drone show!) to the Community of Christ Campground on Saturday, July 4 (rain date is July 5) to celebrate the revival of our beloved lake. Returning to its historical location, the show will once again be visible by boat from

The words we've all been waiting to hear!! According to the February FLTF news update: "Sanford Dam: Sanford is now considered substantially complete with all major restoration work finished. Despite substantial completion occurring six weeks later than anticipated, we still expect to begin to start the lake refill process on April 15 (pending inspections and permits)." To read the full news update at the FLTF website, click here .

The Sanford Lake Association has become aware that several homeowners on Sanford Lake have constructed permanent docks without the proper permitting through the State. EGLE has observed these structures and is requiring homeowners to remove them. For a permanent dock on Sanford Lake, you need an EGLE permit, typically obtained through the MiWaters online system using the EGLE/USACE-Joint Permit Application, as permanent structures fall under Part 301 of Michigan's Natural R

Please reach out to Rep Schuette to thank him for ensuring Michigan's new budget included a $9.8 million allocation for FLTF "dam...

The Sanford Lake Association is continuing their fundraising efforts for fish habitat enhancement before the lake returns and fish...

Crews are beginning to place roller compacted concrete along the Sanford Dam embankment for the auxiliary spillway. This activity...

Congratulations Greg Crawford on winning our golf cart raffle! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets for our raffle! The raffle...

The Sanford Historical Society is holding Founder's Day on Saturday, September 6 To view the flyer and see the schedule of events, click...

Newsweek published an article titled "Michigan Homes Were Swallowed by a Dam -- There's No Sign of Compensation" on August 18, 2025. ...

Addressing bottomland vegetation and debris on Secord, Smallwood and Sanford lakes by the end of the fall of 2025 will help with the...

Join us and your lake neighbors on Tuesday, August 12 at 6:00 PM at the Village of Sanford Ball Park - Large Pavilion for our annual...

Visit our online store to purchase your raffle tickets for a 2020 EZ Go Elite, factory refurbished Golf Cart with a lithium battery with...