Riparian Rights
Riparian Rights 101
What Are Riparian Rights?
Riparian (littoral) rights are the private property rights that come with owning land that touches Higgins Lake. In some cases, these rights also apply to properties separated from the water by a public road or boulevard.
They define what lakefront owners may reasonably do—and what public access allows at road ends.
The legal foundation: PA 56 and
Jacobs v. Lyon Township
Two legal authorities protect riparian rights on Higgins Lake:
- Jacobs v. Lyon Township – clarified that road ends are for public access, not permanent or private use
- Public Act 56 of 2017 – made those limits state law, setting clear rules for road-end use across Michigan
Together, they protect lakefront owners’ rights while preserving fair public access.
Key takeaways
For lakefront property owners
- Riparian rights are private property rights
- You generally have the right to reasonable access to the water for swimming and boating
- Seasonal private docks are typically allowed if they do not interfere with navigation or neighbors
- Dock placement should remain within your riparian/bottomland area
- Bottomland boundaries on Higgins Lake can be complex and may require surveys or legal resolution
For the general public (road ends)
- The public may use the surface water after lawful entry (road ends, parks, launches)
- Road ends are for access—not shoreline gathering or boat storage
- Public road-end docks are typically limited to one seasonal dock for embark/disembark only
- Overnight mooring at road ends is prohibited
- Anchors and boats must be removed after day use
- Permanent or semi-permanent anchors, augers, and hoists at road ends are not allowed
Township application
Gerrish Township
- Follows PA 56 road-end guidelines
- No separate road-end dock ordinance
Why this matters at Higgins Lake
With many road ends, heavy seasonal use, and closely spaced properties, clear rules help:
Protect private riparian rights
Reduce conflicts
Support consistent and fair enforcement
HLPOA’s role
The Higgins Lake Property Owners Association (HLPOA) has taken the lead in litigation, advocacy, and education to protect riparian rights. Legal efforts supported by HLPOA helped reinforce limits on road-end use—principles that were ultimately affirmed statewide through Public Act 56.
Reporting Riparian Violations Anonymously
HLPOA worked with local law enforcement and Central Dispatch to establish a process for reporting certain riparian violations anonymously. Anonymity depends on the situation. For non-emergencies, call 989-275-0911 (preferred). Calling 911 may require identification.
Note: This summary is for general education and is not legal advice. For specific situations, consult legal counsel.