Higgins Lake Foundation

10/14/2026

Did you know that Autumn is one of the very best times to plan and maintain your natural shoreline greenbelt? You didn't? Well, read on!

Lake-friendly shoreline buffers protect water clarity year-round by filtering runoff and preventing erosion during spring snowmelts.
A few quick tips for your autumn buffer zone:

* Leave deep-rooted native plants standing: Deep roots stabilize the shoreline soil against winter ice and high waves.
*Let those leaves act as natural mulch: In greenbelt areas well away from the shoreline edge, native leaf litter nourishes plants naturally.
*Plan for spring planting: Fall is a great time to map out native shrubs and trees to plant along your property line next spring!

Learn more about lake-friendly land care, greenbelts, and grants for greenbelts on our website: https://www.higginslake-foundation.org/protect/greenbelt/

10/07/2026

Dock, Deck & Decking: Autumn Safety & Storage

As the boats come out and docks wrap up for the season, Autumn is swell time to give Higgins Lake a little extra affection.
Before you tuck away the watercraft and kick back for winter, here're a couple easy tips to protect Higgins Lake for next spring:

* Power wash with a plan: wash hulls, hoists, and docks on grass or gravel—never right by the water's edge. This will keep oil, grime, and any hitchhiking critters out of the lake.
* Double-check for those icky invasive species: give boats, trailers, and gear a thorough drain and wipe-down before puttin’ 'em in hibernation.
* Tread lightly on the shore: keep heavy machinery out of the shallow water zone while pulling docks to protect shorelines and underwater plants.

A little extra care during fall cleanup means clearer, healthier waters waiting for us when sunny spring days return!

09/30/2026

Here we are again, with Current Conversations with the Higgins Lake Foundation! This month, we're gettin' the beef on Bob Blamer:

Name: Robert L. (Bob) Blamer. My friends call me Robert L.

Role with the HLF: I was one of the original volunteer divers on the milfoil pods when we placed temporary barriers over the w**ds. Once that could no longer keep up with. the spread, I was involved in the acquisition and development of the DASH Boat and dove on it to test it out before hiring a dive crew. Currently, I am the Chairman of the DASH Boat Committee, officer on the board (Secretary), on the Finance Committee, and the MC at Awareness Day, in August.

Years involved with HLF: I’ve been on the HLF board for over 10 years, but volunteered as a diver on invasive species prior to joining the board

HLF: Hiya Bob! Thanks for chatting with us! Let's dive right in, could you tell us about your history with Higgins Lake? How far back do your memories go?

Bob: My first memories go back to camping at the North State Park in the 1960s. In 1965, my parents bought six acres with 400 feet of lake frontage and a log cabin built in 1929. Later on in the late '90s, they let me build my own log cabin right next to what we called 'the Lodge'. Both sit on a bluff overlooking the lake. Being on the northeast side, my favorite spot for a quiet afternoon—or to watch the sunset—is right on our beach or on my pontoon tied up at the dock.

HLF: As someone who's spent decades loving Higgins Lake, what do you see as its biggest environmental challenge today?

Bob: Eliminating or limiting the nutrients and sewage seeping into the lake through septic systems. Back in the '60s, National Geographic rated Higgins Lake the sixth most beautiful lake in the world, largely for its crystal-clear waters. I got scuba certified here in 1975 and have dived Higgins hundreds of times down to 90 feet. Back then, there were very few w**ds and no foreign invasive species. Today, excess nutrients are rapidly changing the lake bottom. While Zebra Mussels filter the water and keep it clear, that clarity allows sunlight to pe*****te deeper, fueling w**d growth that threatens the lake’s natural beauty.

HLF: You’ve been a driving force behind the HLF’s invasive species management. What has that experience been like?

Bob: I’ve been heavily involved with our DASH (Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting) boat operation from its inception. It was the first in Michigan and only the second in the Midwest. I regularly consult with lake associations across Michigan and the country—including the East Coast—about our operations. We are truly the envy of every organization I speak with because of our success, experience, and the fact that HLF and its generous donors fully fund the program.

HLF: What drives your passion for conservation work, and what do you wish more people understood about HLF?

Bob: My love for diving is what initially motivated me to volunteer. I’ve dived all over the Caribbean and as far west as Hawaii, but Higgins Lake is still my absolute favorite place to be. I’ve taught my son, my wife, my father (who got certified in his 60s!), and now my grandkids how to dive and care for this lake.

As for HLF, I wish more people understood that we are not a political organization. We are an environmental organization whose core mission is strictly to promote and protect Higgins Lake and its surrounding watershed.

Lightning Round with Robert L!

Favorite Higgins Lake sight? A red sunset on a calm evening. 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight'!

Go-to spot after a day on the water? The Cut River Grill! (Though back in my teenage years, it was all about dancing at the old Music Box in Houghton Lake, which, of course, ages myself and has long been closed. It was the hot spot to dance for teenagers with no booze or drugs, just dancing.)

If you were a boat, what would you be? A pontoon—they’re great for family gatherings, and I love being part of a good party!

Summer or Winter on the lake? Definitely a summer person! I prefer to keep my winter sports indoors.

09/23/2026

From Stump Town to State Park: How the CCC Saved the Shores of Higgins Lake...

Long before families gathered 'round the southern shores of Higgins, Northern Michigan looked vastly different. The logging era left the surrounding landscape heavily clear-cut, scarred, and vulnerable to devastating forest fires. Without intervention, the lush pine canopies and natural environment we love today were on the brink of being lost forever.

Cue heroic music and enter the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s!

During the Great Depression (1929-1939), thousands of hard-working young men stationed in camps around Higgins Lake joined President Roosevelt’s ‘Tree Army’.

Working tirelessly alongside the historic Higgins Lake Nursery, these crews planted millions of tree seedlings, built park roads, stabilized shorelines, and created the infrastructure which rescued and restored our state parks.

Conservation took a community then as it takes a community now. From supporting watershed management, planting tree seedlings, or battling invasive species, thank you for your efforts to ensure Higgins Lake remains healthy, vibrant, and resilient for generations to come.

So, the next time you’re walking under those tall pines or spending a day at the beach, maybe take a moment to reflect on the history beneath your feet (and bum!).

09/18/2026

09/02/2026

Our water test kits are available through September 30th and you can pick one up at our office (207 Terrace Drive Roscommon, MI)! Because, 'Looks clean to me!' isn't a water test. 😉🌊🧪

08/26/2026

Thanks for joining the latest in Current Conversations with the HLF! We’re sharing the stories and faces behind the Foundation and, this month, we get to spill the tea with Scott!

Name: Scott McNamara
Role with the HLF: Trustee
Years involved with HLF: 10

HLF: Hiya Scotty! Let's dive right in (yuk, yuk), how did your connection to Higgins Lake begin?
Scott: My parents bought property on the river in Roscommon back in 1950—well before I came along!—so our summers were spent here growing up. My fondest memories of the lake are spending time at the Gerrish Township Park beach, visiting my aunt and uncle’s cottage on the Gold Coast, and taking trips to Higgins Lake Putt-Putt, Arcade, and Batting Cages.

HLF: Do you have a favorite spot for a afternoon on the Lake?
Scott: On Treasure Island at the boat club with fellow members who have become like family over the years.

HLF: What HLF project do you feel is most crucial right now?
Scott: The DASH boat. I’m currently trying to spearhead the fundraising effort to secure a new boat as it’s vital for fighting the spread of invasive species. We must stay on top of these efforts so we can pass this beautiful lake on to future generations in the same great condition we found it.

HLF: What do you wish more people knew about the Foundation’s work?
Scott: I wish more people understood how much heart goes into the Foundation—and that more people would jump in to volunteer! We have a passionate board with a clear, long-term vision. On a personal note, I also really enjoy presenting our annual scholarships at Senior Awards Night!

HLF: Might you, perhaps, have a possible favorite local spot for a post-lake meal?
Scott: Sitting on the patio at Cut River Grille, listening to live music from local artists while overlooking the river. My go-to dishes are the Tuna Tartare or the Stuffed Flounder!
HLF: Speaking of stuffing flounders, a trip for some Tuna Tartare sounds terrif - let's go!