The Higgins Lake Foundation was honored recently at the 2014 Convention of the National Association of State Park Directors in Omaha, Nebraska, which was attended by approximately 170 Directors of State Parks.
Vicki Springstead, Chair of the HLF, was present to receive the National Association of State Park Directors President’s Award for a Local Organization. In presenting the award, NASPD President Priscilla Geigis said, “Tonight we gratefully recognize people whose efforts are exemplary and who inspire shared stewardship of our treasured resources.”
Nominating the Higgins Lake Foundation for the award was director of Michigan State Parks, Ron Olson, who included a long list of HLF’s accomplishments. The award was given “in recognition of your outstanding work in preserving the natural beauty of Higgins Lake and the enhancement of the quality of the lake and its watershed.” According to Stuart Johnson, NASPD Awards Chair, “The many fundraising projects the Higgins Lake Foundation has pursued and the numerous projects improving the lake deserve special recognition.”
Olson’s nomination read, in part, “The Higgins Lake Foundation is a local organization that has increased their support of Michigan State Parks and Recreation with a focus that helps our park system balance recreation and stewardship of the economically important lakes for tourism and eco-system health.
“In recent years, the Foundation has gained statewide recognition as experts in the area of boat washes and non-chemical removal of Eurasian Water Milfoil. If every community had an organization like the Higgins Foundation, the entire network of parks and recreation would be able to provide quality recreation while protecting the resources with which they are entrusted.”
Vicki Springstead, HLF Chair, said that it was an honor to accept the award on behalf of the Higgins Lake Foundation. “The work we do to protect the lake would not be possible without the involvement of many dedicated volunteers and the generous support of our donors.”
Founded in 1989, the Higgins Lake Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.