GERRISH TOWNSHIP — Gerrish Township has launched a multi-year initiative aimed at protecting the long-term health of Higgins Lake, bringing together residents, experts and township officials in a wide-ranging study of the factors affecting one of Michigan’s most treasured inland lakes.
According to a June 25 news release, the “Health of Higgins Lake” initiative is a volunteer-led effort supported by township oversight. It will take a broad approach to assessing lake health, examining issues such as septic systems, fertilizer use, road runoff, invasive species, lake levels, fishery conditions and general lake usage.
Rather than promoting any specific solution, organizers say the initiative will first work to develop a comprehensive understanding of the lake’s condition.
Once stakeholders have a shared understanding of the findings, they will begin considering possible solutions.
“This is a long-term investment in protecting Higgins Lake for future generations,” township officials said in a statement. “The initiative is designed to foster community collaboration and transparency while focusing on science-based decisions.”
The effort will build on more than 30 years of past studies, with a newly formed Science Committee tasked with consolidating existing research and identifying areas where new testing is needed. Key focus areas include water quality monitoring, septic and well system evaluation, road-end runoff management, and public education around fertilizer use.
The initiative will be led by a five-member steering committee and include subcommittees on science, communications, finance, information technology, septic systems and road ends. Nearly three dozen local volunteers with diverse professional backgrounds have already committed to the effort.
Work is already underway. Subcommittees have begun meeting, and regular updates will be shared with the public to maintain transparency. All findings will be made available to the community.
For more information, residents can contact the Health of Higgins Lake Steering Committee at hohl@gerrishtownship.org.