Please click on this link to view the complete position statement of The Higgins Lake and Land Conservancy regarding the proposed lake wide sewer system for Higgins Lake.
For links to the numerous studies of Higgins Lake please click this link
Check out our December 2021 Newsletter
For links to the numerous studies of Higgins Lake please click this link
Check out our December 2021 Newsletter
Conserving the Beauty of Higgins Lake
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:
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 | 1,492 | 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.
