The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) announced that on April 1st, 2012 the Ludington State Park began the annual process of raising Hamlin Lake. This date is contingent on how much ice is on the lake and around the bayous. Each year, the lake is raised by about two feet in the summertime and takes two to four weeks, depending on precipitation. If ice remains on the lake, the process will take a bit longer.

While the lowering of Hamlin Lake is scheduled to take place on the third Monday of every October, the springtime rising of the lake is more tentative in nature. Before the springtime process can begin, the DNRE must make sure that there is absolutely no ice left on the lake. Again, this is to make sure that the docks and launches are not damaged by lake ice. The decision to raise the water level is usually made in March or April. Once this happens, the DNRE sends out a press release alerting local newspapers and other media around the state.