Higgins Lake Foundation

05/28/2026

For our latest Current Conversations spotlight, we're buzzin' with Brad! We'll cover his deep roots in the area, passion for the lake, and some of the best ways to enjoy said lake.

Name: Brad Baerlocher
Role with the Higgins Lake Foundation: Trustee
Years involved with HLF: Two

HLF: What's your ‘Higgins Lake story’?
Brad: I was born and raised here, at Higgins Lake, starting in May 1965—in fact, the earliest photo I have of myself at the lake is from July of that year! I graduated from Roscommon High in 1984, and at 18, I left to serve our great nation in the United States Air Force for seven years.
After the USAF, I returned to Roscommon and worked at Roscommon Glass for a few months while pursuing my next career as an aircraft mechanic at Detroit Metro with Northwest/Delta Airlines.
My dad was also born and raised here in Roscommon, mom is from Traverse City, and my two brothers still live here and serve the community in different capacities. After establishing my career downstate, my wife and I bought a cottage at Higgins Lake in 2001. Now that we are both retired, we became permanent residents in 2024. My heart is HERE!

HLF: If you could solve one environmental challenge for the lake, what would it be?
Brad: Without a doubt, it would be stopping invasive species! They have changed this lake so drastically in my lifetime. Working with the Foundation, the DASH (Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting) boat operation has been my main focus to help tackle this.

HLF: Sunrise or Sunset?
Brad: Sunset is my favorite. I'm retired, so I don't get up early enough for sunrises!

HLF: Favorite local spot for a pre- or post-lake meal?
Brad: I like to eat right on the lake at the Boat Club!

HLF: If you were a boat, what kind would you be?
Brad: A sailboat... peace is what they bring.

HLF: Summers at the lake or Winters on the lake?
Brad: Summers on the lake! Winters around here can definitely be challenging!

05/24/2026

Let's keep in contact!
Scan the QR code (in the image) or click our direct link:
https://form-usa.keela.co/communications to join our mailing list or update your information.

It takes less than a minute to update and help keep Higgins Lake beautiful. Thank you so much for your support!

05/21/2026

Let's talk about greenbelts vs. seawalls...

05/14/2026

05/07/2026

Before your hoists go into Higgins Lake this month, maybe take a close look at the frame. Starry stonewort can look like harmless grass, but it forms dense mats that choke out native plants. Zebra mussels are tiny but can rapidly alter the lake’s ecosystem.
Keeping these invasive species out is the most effective way to protect our lake’s baseline for generations to come - thank you for your help!

04/30/2026

Welcome ​back to Current Conversations with the Higgins Lake Foundation!

Each month, we'll be interviewing an HLF member, hearing their stories, involvement with the Foundation, and visions for our Lake's future.
This ​month, we're dishin' with Denise:

Name: Denise Becker
Role with the HLF: Administrative Assistant
Years involved with HLF: Two

​HLF: Do you have a ‘Higgins Lake​ story​'?
Denise: I don’t have much of a background with Higgins Lake​, but my family grew up camping all over Michigan. My husband and I bought ​our first place here in 2011 and retired up here in 2020. I love this community and have met so many great people by volunteering with Christmas in the Village, the Rosco Higgins Trail Cruisers, and my job here at HLF.

​HLF: Having retired to the lake in 2020 after camping across Michigan for years, what was the one 'must-have' thing you knew your permanent Higgins Lake home needed?
Denise: A place for my kids, and now grandkids, to visit. I wanted my home to be a place they love to come to and that includes the community and all it has to offer. I can't wait to take those new grandbabies to Higgins Lake to experience it for themselves​!

​HLF: You mentioned volunteering with Christmas in the Village and the Rosco Higgins Trail Cruisers. Have your experiences with those community groups shaped your approach to your work at the Foundation?
​Denise: I think my involvement really opened me up to the community. I have gotten to know so many people and have dealt with so many of the businesses that I am much more comfortable putting myself out there and really working towards reaching important goals.

​HLF: What specific project of the Foundation are you most proud of?
Denise: My favorite project is Lake Saver Day. I love working with the 4th graders, seeing what they already know versus what they learn. It is so important to educate future generations on the importance of keeping Higgins Lake the gem that it is. We always have such great presenters​, at Lake Saver Day, and the kids are engaged and learning.

Favourite local spot to eat around Higgins Lake?
Denise: Favorite place to eat is the Silver Dollar. There​'s a group of us ​w​ho love going to Taco Tuesday.
​HLF: Favourite tacos at the Dollar?
Denise: Taco platter or taco salad, their shells are amazing. And, a margarita never hurts.

04/25/2026

WEEKEND WATER UPDATE FOR HIGGINS LAKE

Following the recent severe weather and flooding across Michigan, the DNR has issued a "know before you go" advisory for all outdoor enthusiasts.

DNR Safety Tips for the Weekend:
Check Closures: Before heading out, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to see if your favorite park or boating site is limited by flooding.
Avoid Floodwaters: Do not wade or swim in standing water; it may contain contaminants or hidden debris.
Watch for Hazards: Be on the lookout for downed trees, saturated trails, and high currents in local rivers.
Keep Your Distance: Soft ground near high water can cause you to lose your footing easily.

Have a swell weekend, enjoy our beautiful lake, and keep each other safe!

Before visiting a state park, boating site or trail, it's always a good idea to check the latest closures due to planned improvement projects, repairs and weather-related events.

04/22/2026

This April 22nd, the Higgins Lake Foundation celebrates over three decades of environmental stewardship. Since 1989, our mission has been to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of Higgins Lake💙
Earth Day was founded 56 years ago and helped pave the way for the Clean Water Act. While water covers nearly 71% of our planet, only a tiny fraction (about 0.5%) is accessible freshwater. That’s part of why water quality studies and watershed management are so vital.

Looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day around Higgins Lake?
Here are some of our favourites:
1️⃣ Watch the Runoff: limit fertilizer use to keep excess nutrients out of the water.
2️⃣ Clean, Drain, Dry: always inspect your boat and gear to stop invasive species from disrupting our native ecosystem.
3️⃣ Stow Your Trash: what happens on land doesn't stay there—rain carries pollutants directly into the lake.

The HLF's work is made possible by a community that values conservation. Thank you for helping us protect Higgins Lake this day and all the days!

04/16/2026

Higgins Lake is about to get even better this month...

We are excited to welcome the beautiful Common Loon back to our waters for the season!
Did you know loons depend on their sharp vision to hunt, and require clear water like Higgins Lake to find food? (While Higgins’ famous clarity helps loons hunt, remember that clear water doesn’t always mean a healthy lake—high nutrient levels remain a challenge for our ecosystem.)

Tips and fun facts for enjoying loons on Higgins Lake:

* Respect their space: enjoy loons from a distance. If they become vocal or seem disturbed, you are too close. Nesting loons are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.
* Keep them wild: please DO NOT feed the loons. Like all wildlife, they are healthiest on a natural diet. Feeding them can make them dependent on humans, teach them unsafe behaviors, and can even make them sick.
* A group of loons is called an asylum.
* Treasure Island, on the North side of the lake, has a loon sanctuary: https://www.higginslakelandconservancy.com/loon-preserve.html #/

04/09/2026

April showers bring more than just flowers - they can also bring phosphorus and nitrogen runoff into Higgins Lake.
As an oligotrophic lake, Higgins is naturally low in nutrients. This makes it extra sensitive to 'runoff villains' (like phosphorus & nitrogen) which can trigger unwanted algae growth and cloud our beautiful lake.
As you begin your spring yard work, here are some simple ways to keep Higgins healthy:

1. Go Phosphorus-Free: choose fertilizers without phosphorus to keep the lake’s balance in check.
2. Grow a Buffer: maintain a natural vegetative buffer of native grasses, stones, and shrubs along your shoreline. These plants act as a natural filter for runoff before it ever reaches the water.
3. Scoop pet waste to stop nitrogen in its tracks.

Thank you for loving our lake!