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Roscommon County reviews Houghton, Higgins and St. Helen lake-level control updates
Summary
County staff told commissioners that Prein & Newhof has completed schematic outlet designs and is progressing on hydraulic and structural work for Houghton Lake; a DNR land-swap needed survey and a reissued check to Denton Township before the swap can be finalized. Higgins Lake advisory board meets Feb. 20, 2026 to review water-budget results.
At a Feb. 11, 2026 Roscommon County Board of Commissioners meeting county staff provided updates on lake-level control structures affecting Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake and Lake St. Helen.
County staff reported that the land swap with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources tied to Houghton Lake requires a new survey and a reissued check to Denton Township because the previously issued check has 'aged out.' The swap split occurred more than a year ago and paperwork has yet to be completed. Staff also said Prein & Newhof has finished the schematic outlet design and is working on structural and hydraulic design details.
The board was told that the Higgins Lake Advisory Board will meet on Feb. 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the county building (a Zoom link will be provided), and that water-budget results were expected to be released that week. For Lake St. Helen, county staff said letters about removing the winter level would be sent soon. The updates were informational; the board did not take a formal vote on these unfinished-business items at the meeting.
