​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 annual goal of protecting at least two watershed parcels per year through the use of conservation easements and development rights acquisitions.

The Higgins Lake Land Conservancy can offer invaluable assistance in your efforts to protect your land.  The strength of the Conservancy is that we listen to landowners and help them devise the best way to conserve their land.

Our board of directors offers access to expertise and is committed to provide sound information and assurance of long-term land protection.  We will work closely and confidentially with you and your advisors as you make decisions concerning your land, and the Conservancy will be there to ensure the land is protected long after the project is completed.  The Conservancy’s approach is strictly voluntary; we work with willing landowners who share our conservation goals.

The Higgins Lake Land Conservancy is a private, non-profit corporation,  Our mission is simple and straightforward; we protect significant natural and scenic lands from being over-developed, now and for all future generations.  We protect land by accepting donation of land and/or conservation easements.  In some special cases when funding is available we may buy land or certain rights in land.  We work in Gerrish, Lyon, Markey, and Beaver Creek townships as well as surrounding areas that show a demonstrable influence on Higgins Lake.

​The Higgins Lake Land Conservancy is a conservation organization and is (1) organized for the purpose of acquiring, maintaining, and protecting natural areas in this state, that predominantly contain natural habitat for wildlife; (2) holding in perpetuity property acquired for the purposes described in (1) above; and (3) prohibiting any officer, shareholder, board member, employee, or trustee (or any family member of the aforementioned) from benefiting from the sale of property acquired for the purposes described in (1) above.

We welcome you to enjoy our beautiful lands, keeping in mind that you are a temporary visitor to the homes of many plants and animals.  PLEASE ENJOY hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and similar low-impact non-motorized activities.  PLEASE REFRAIN FROM snowmobiling, hunting, camping, fires, dumping, littering, removal of vegetation and offroad vehicles.
How can the Higgins Lake Land Conservancy Assist You
  • We listen to your goals for your land and help match these with protection opportunities.
  • We can serve as recipients and stewards of conservation easements and land.  
  • We can provide referrals to attorneys, appraisers, and accountants familiar with conservation strategies​.
  • We are a “public charity” as defined by the federal tax code, and donations of land, qualified conservation easements, and cash of securities to us are tax deductible.
Many of the conservation options highlighted on our website involve tax benefits to the landowners.  As such, this site includes a few basic examples of the different types of strategies available to landowners and what the tax implications may be.  The examples included herein are simplified and generally only address federal tax considerations.  They are provided to show generally how the tax benefits work, not intended to guide you in calculating your own tax benefits.  Your personal tax outcome in any particular scenario will depend on factors such as the value of your donations, your income, the extent of your other deductions, the availability of state and local deductions, and other personal tax considerations.  You should consult a tax advisor who can review your personal situation and provide estimated tax benefits for you.

​View the Higgins Lake Land Conservancy Bylaws Here.