President’s Message – June 2026

Higgins Lake Swimmer’s Itch Organization Supporters,

Thank you for your continued support of our organization (hlsio.org) and your ongoing commitment to helping keep Swimmer’s Itch (SI) under control.

We also want to acknowledge that this update is later than usual. We had hoped to provide clearer guidance earlier in the season regarding what actions would be permitted this summer to control SI. Despite being told by a senior FWS representative on May 29 that decisions would be made “soon,” and again on June 23 that we would hear by the end of that week, we have yet to receive definitive direction. Unfortunately, their timeline for “soon” has not aligned with ours.

So, what has been happening?

Since early this year, we have been pursuing two primary initiatives:

  1. Merganser removal
  2. Merganser treatment using a drug designed to eliminate parasites

Merganser Removal
This process began last fall with discussions involving the DNR. It became clear that coordination with the USDA and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) would be required, beginning with a USDA review in February. We formally submitted our permit application (CS20022932) on April 6, 2026. This permit would allow for the removal of mergansers from Higgins Lake. As noted above, the application remains under review despite repeated efforts to move the process forward.

Merganser Treatment — Capture and PZQ Treatment
This approach involves capturing mergansers, treating them with Praziquantel (PZQ), and releasing them. PZQ is a widely used medication for treating parasitic infections in humans and animals. HLSIO commissioned a detailed meta-analysis on the safety and effectiveness of PZQ, which was included in our permit submission (CS17313337). This application has been rejected per one technical point, resubmitted for reconsideration after addressing the technical point, and rejected again. We are continuing to address the concerns cited by FWS, although we believe the full body of scientific evidence supporting the safety of this approach is not being adequately considered.

Due to limited and inconsistent feedback, we have also sought assistance from elected officials:

  • Congressman Jack Bergman’s office: Legislative Assistant Collin Gillim engaged with our concerns and requested updates from FWS on May 28 and June 16, 2026. We have not yet received a response.
  • Senator Elissa Slotkin’s office: We contacted Tom Bratton, Northern Michigan Regional Manager, on June 20, 2026. He indicated we should hear back soon; we followed up again on June 29. We have not yet received a response.

In addition, we have maintained communication with multiple agency representatives within FWS and the Michigan DNR.

While awaiting decisions, we continue to move forward with efforts within our control:

  • Waterfowl Surveys – conducted twice during the summer
  • Goose Nest Management – GooseBusters conducted two visits this spring, removing 7 nests and 51 eggs
  • Snail Infection Surveys – approximately 2,000 snails from 10 locations are analyzed to assess infection levels
  • Water Exposure Study – participants report lake exposure and any SI symptoms. Last year, 22 individuals participated. If you are interested in joining, please visit: https://forms.gle/SkuHfzymrxQnNXZD6

What we know as of June 30, 2026:

  • At least one brood of mergansers is present on Higgins Lake
  • Several cases of Swimmer’s Itch have been reported
  • A snail expert has observed higher-than-usual levels of Stagnicola emarginata, the species associated with releasing SI-causing parasites
  • Merganser broods have not been removed in four of the past five years; last year there were four broods totaling approximately 40 ducklings. Some of the cases reported this year can be attributed to snails infected last summer.

What you can do:

Thank you again for your continued support.

HLSIO Board,

Duncan Lawrence, President
Greg Semack, Vice President
Marty Barta, Treasurer
John Ogren, Secretary  

Melanie Brown, Director

Bill Carey, Director
Dale McDonald, Director
Mike Purkey, Director