Buying on Secord, Smallwood, or Wixom Lake? Know the dam story

Three of Gladwin County’s big lakes — Secord, Smallwood, and Wixom — are man-made reservoirs on the Tittabawassee River, held back by dams. In May 2020, after extreme rain, the Edenville Dam failed: Wixom Lake emptied out and the floodwaters tore downstream into Midland County, where thousands of buildings were damaged and about 10,000 people had to evacuate. All four dams in the chain now need rebuilding, and the lakes have been drawn down in the meantime.

A nonprofit called the Four Lakes Task Force — the authority appointed by Gladwin and Midland counties — is rebuilding the dams and refilling the lakes in stages, with Secord and Smallwood expected back before Wixom. The schedule has moved more than once, so before you count on a water view, check the current status of your specific lake.

Most important for your budget: the rebuild is paid for by a special assessment on the benefiting properties — a charge that shows up on the winter tax bill and runs for many years (the program is collecting well over $200 million over about 40 years). The assessment district reaches across several townships and includes some parcels set back from the water, not just lakefront lots, so don’t assume — ask exactly what’s owed on a given parcel (and whether it’s been prepaid) before you make an offer.

The Four Lakes Task Force website has current lake-by-lake status and assessment details.