What is the Higgins Lake Land Conservancy
The Higgins Lake Watershed covers an area of approximately 9,000 acres and forms the headwaters of the Muskegon River. Its watershed boundary (East to West) is slightly over 11 miles while the North to South width is roughly 6.5 miles, at its widest point.
Higgins Lake is one of Michigan’s largest and most beautiful lakes, with a surface area of 9,831 acres (making it the tenth largest inland lake in Michigan) and a volume of nearly 20 million cubic feet of water. It has a long hydrologic retention time, estimated at 12.4 years, with a shoreline covering some 21.3 miles, and a mean depth of 44.3 feet . . . . the maximum depth in the north basin is 135 feet and the south basin depth measures 100 feet.
In 2000 concerned parties in the area worked diligently over an extended period to create and publish the Higgins Lake Watershed Management Plan in a concerted effort to establish specific guidelines as a means of protecting this outstanding “gift” of nature. Incorporated in the Plan were watershed goals and objectives directed toward the continuing protection and desired utilization of the watershed. A significant issue was the “institution of responsible land use practices within the watershed” including the specific charge of developing and promoting the establishment of future land conservation easements. To this end the Higgins Lake Land Conservancy has been formed and is dedicated to preserving the rural and recreational nature of our treasured watershed and surrounding areas that may have a demonstrable influence on Higgins Lake.
Of particular concern is the population growth in our targeted area. As can be seen from the census counts below, this area has shown significant population growth over the last 30 years:
2010 2000 1990 1980 % Growth
Beaver Creek 1,736 1,488 1,175 745 133.0%
Gerrish 2,993 3,072 2,421 1,629 83.7%
Lyon Manor 1,370 1,462 1,037 910 50.5%
Markey 2,360 2,424 1,768 1,335 76.8%
Future growth trends similar to these will put a strain on our area with increased development of vacant lands. That is precisely what we would like to prevent from happening through conservation of undeveloped properties.
The Higgins Lake Land Conservancy is a not-for-profit corporation formed to acquire, sell and otherwise manage lands solely within the Higgins Lake watershed and surrounding areas in a manner which promotes prudent environmental use and conservation of the Higgins Lake area. The Conservancy was formally recognized by the State of Michigan in 2001. It is managed by a board of directors who serve on a voluntary basis.
On August 10, 2010 the Conservancy received official notice from the Internal Revenue Service that it would be recognized as a tax exempt charity. With this designation by the IRS of 501(C) (3) status, individuals and business alike may make either land or cash gifts to the Conservancy that may be fully deductible for income tax purposes to the extent of the value of the gift.
The Conservancy is now poised to move forward with its goal of protecting the undeveloped land in the Higgins Lake watershed and surrounding area. The Conservancy first intends to inventory and catalog environmentally sensitive lands around Higgins Lake. Thereafter, its board will contact the owners of these sensitive properties and work with the owners to develop a stewardship plan. The Conservancy has set an annul goal of protecting at least two watershed parcels per year through the use of conservation easements and development rights acquisitions.
The Higgins Lake Watershed covers an area of approximately 9,000 acres and forms the headwaters of the Muskegon River. Its watershed boundary (East to West) is slightly over 11 miles while the North to South width is roughly 6.5 miles, at its widest point.
Higgins Lake is one of Michigan’s largest and most beautiful lakes, with a surface area of 9,831 acres (making it the tenth largest inland lake in Michigan) and a volume of nearly 20 million cubic feet of water. It has a long hydrologic retention time, estimated at 12.4 years, with a shoreline covering some 21.3 miles, and a mean depth of 44.3 feet . . . . the maximum depth in the north basin is 135 feet and the south basin depth measures 100 feet.
In 2000 concerned parties in the area worked diligently over an extended period to create and publish the Higgins Lake Watershed Management Plan in a concerted effort to establish specific guidelines as a means of protecting this outstanding “gift” of nature. Incorporated in the Plan were watershed goals and objectives directed toward the continuing protection and desired utilization of the watershed. A significant issue was the “institution of responsible land use practices within the watershed” including the specific charge of developing and promoting the establishment of future land conservation easements. To this end the Higgins Lake Land Conservancy has been formed and is dedicated to preserving the rural and recreational nature of our treasured watershed and surrounding areas that may have a demonstrable influence on Higgins Lake.
Of particular concern is the population growth in our targeted area. As can be seen from the census counts below, this area has shown significant population growth over the last 30 years:
2010 2000 1990 1980 % Growth
Beaver Creek 1,736 1,488 1,175 745 133.0%
Gerrish 2,993 3,072 2,421 1,629 83.7%
Lyon Manor 1,370 1,462 1,037 910 50.5%
Markey 2,360 2,424 1,768 1,335 76.8%
Future growth trends similar to these will put a strain on our area with increased development of vacant lands. That is precisely what we would like to prevent from happening through conservation of undeveloped properties.
The Higgins Lake Land Conservancy is a not-for-profit corporation formed to acquire, sell and otherwise manage lands solely within the Higgins Lake watershed and surrounding areas in a manner which promotes prudent environmental use and conservation of the Higgins Lake area. The Conservancy was formally recognized by the State of Michigan in 2001. It is managed by a board of directors who serve on a voluntary basis.
On August 10, 2010 the Conservancy received official notice from the Internal Revenue Service that it would be recognized as a tax exempt charity. With this designation by the IRS of 501(C) (3) status, individuals and business alike may make either land or cash gifts to the Conservancy that may be fully deductible for income tax purposes to the extent of the value of the gift.
The Conservancy is now poised to move forward with its goal of protecting the undeveloped land in the Higgins Lake watershed and surrounding area. The Conservancy first intends to inventory and catalog environmentally sensitive lands around Higgins Lake. Thereafter, its board will contact the owners of these sensitive properties and work with the owners to develop a stewardship plan. The Conservancy has set an annul goal of protecting at least two watershed parcels per year through the use of conservation easements and development rights acquisitions.
