Mission Statement:
Serving under the direction of the HLPOA Board, to act as a point of contact for HLPOA members and other interested parties. To act as a coordinating group to approve dedicated funds for various programs to maintain or improve the water quality and associated environmental factors affecting Higgins Lake riparian owners and public users of this very precious natural resource.
Below is the HLPOA Environmental Policy, prepared by the Environmental Committee and approved at the 2016 Annual Meeting:
Copper Sulfate Resolution Approved by Members – July 15, 2017:
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Higgins Lake Property Owners Association is not in favor of individuals or agencies using copper sulfate for any purpose in any public or privately owned areas of Higgins Lake. It is further resolved that the HLPOA board will work with the Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources so as to be apprised of any approved copper sulfate applications past, current and proposed future.
Copper sulfate remains for a very long time in the lake due to it being an inorganic compound. Copper sulfate applications may have implications for current and future lake environmental studies. Potential unintended consequences to humans, short term and long term damage to lake organisms such as bacteria, algae, mollusks, invertebrates and plants are of great concern.
The science behind the HLPOA’s position against the use of copper sulfate in Higgins Lake for any reason is well described in the following article from “Inspired by Nature”. Please click on the following link to view the article:
Higgins Lake Study Resolution – October 15, 2013
The following letter was sent on HLPOA letterhead via snail mail to the following recipients;
Daniel Mullen – District Supervisor
Terry Stilson – MRWA
Jim Dexter – DNR Fisheries Chief
Matt Kleetch – DEQ
Brad Jenson – Huron Pines
Honorable Michael Baumgartner – 34th Circuit Court Judge
Senator Booher
Representative Rendon
Roscommon County Board of Commissioners
Frank Homola – Gerrish Twp Supervisor
Ed Nellist – Lyon Twp Supervisor
Brian Ashton – Beaver Creek Twp Supervisor
October 15, 2013
At our July 2013 Annual Meeting the membership passed the following resolution. This resolution is supported by the HLPOA Board of Directors.
RESOLUTION PASSED BY
HIGGINS LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
JULY 20, 2013
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the HIGGINS LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION is not in favor of removal of the dam, which controls the water level of Higgins Lake, or any change in the lake levels established by the Roscommon County Circuit Court in 1926 and 1982 and that in the event the MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR); MUSKEGON WATERSHED COUNCIL or any other attempts are taken to remove or alter the dam or those lake levels in any manner we will oppose same. Following completion of the current study and after the results are analyzed, the Board further resolves to take no action of any nature toward removal of the dam, or any changes in those lake levels other than to oppose any changes to those levels, unless otherwise instructed by its members in a formal vote which must take place in accordance with the requirement of the Higgins Lake Property Owners Association By-Laws at the next Annual Meeting.
Sincerely,
Higgins Lake Property Owners Association Board of Directors
Environmental Bulletins:
As the Environmental Committee prepares bulletins on various environmental and ecological topics pertinent to Higgins Lake and the surrounding watershed, they will be published here. Below are the first four such bulletins.
- #4 – Biological Indicators
- #3 – Shoreline Erosion and Management Practices
- #2 – Nutrients and Water Quality
- #1 – Invasive Species
Landscaping for Wildlife and Water Quality:
At the July 16, 2016 Annual Meeting, the Chair of the Environmental Committee mentioned the document: “Landscaping for Wildlife and Water Quality.” It was published by the Nongame Wildlife Program – Section of Wildlife, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Copies of this document can be ordered by contacting:
Minnesota’s Bookstore, 660 Olive St, St Paul, MN 55155
or calling 800-657-3757 or 651-297-3000.