- Evaluate current and historical habitat conditions
- Review past surveys and other observations of the lake.
- Conduct a wildlife lake survey.
- Request a hydrological survey if needed.
- Assess current and potential public access.
- Identify lake management problems.
- Develop a draft management proposal
- Identify potential management options to correct lake problems.
- Circulate internally a review of problems and potential corrective actions.
- Write a draft proposal highlighting lake history, past and current problems, and proposed management actions.
- Conduct a feasibility assessment
- Arrange initial review of public access purchase if needed.
- Arrange initial review of outlet purchase if needed.
- Arrange initial review of required engineering needs.
- Identify overall initial feasibility of needed management actions.
- Obtain public review of the draft proposal
- Meet with local units of government including watershed districts, soil and water conservation districts, cities or townships, and county boards.
- Meet with lake associations and shoreland owners.
- Meet with local conservation and civic groups.
- Conduct at least one public information hearing.
- Conduct public hearing on the final draft of the management plan
- Develop final draft of the lake management plan.
- Repeat public review process if there are significant differences with earlier draft proposals.
- Select site and date for formal hearing.
- Set up hearing examiner and court reporter.
- Publish public notices and news releases.
- Conduct the formal hearing.
- Make final recommendations to the Commissioner
- Review results of the hearing and draft final management plan.
- Send the Commissioner the final recommendations of the hearing officer along with staff recommendations, final management plan, and hearing transcripts.
If you would like more information on the lake designation process or are interested in getting a lake designated, contact your Area Wildlife Manager or the Shallow Lakes Program Leader.