Welcome to the highly anticipated 2023 summer season at Higgins Lake. The Higgins Lake Swimmers Itch Organization (HLSIO) is gearing up for a productive summer, having already completed our Canada Goose control program for this year. While it is impossible to regulate every goose that visits our lake, we are dedicated to reducing their population. Each goose residing in the lake contributes to an excessive nutrient problem, equivalent to two 50-pound bags of fertilizer.
This summer, we will continue our efforts to study and track reported cases of Swimmer’s Itch, aiming to gather valuable data that may reveal patterns and provide insights for future strategies to minimize the occurrence of this issue.
HLSIO is also excited to sponsor a research study focused on determining the gestation period of new parasites in Common Merganser ducks. This information will enable us to identify the optimal time for duck removal and relocation in order to have the maximum impact on reducing Swimmer’s Itch cases.
Unfortunately, the ongoing presence of Avian Flu in North America presents a challenge. Due to the threat it poses to commercial flocks, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has once again suspended our ability to relocate common mergansers. Despite engaging in discussions and meetings with the DNR personnel we typically work with, we were unable to convince them of the necessity to relocate birds this summer to mitigate Swimmer’s Itch on Higgins Lake. While the absence of broods to relocate in the past two years may help maintain low Swimmer’s Itch case numbers, the success of our program relies on consistent relocation efforts. We are disheartened by the inability to relocate merganser ducks for the second consecutive year. Nevertheless, we remain committed to exploring alternative methods to effectively control Swimmer’s Itch on Higgins Lake this season.
We are pleased to announce that HLSIO will be hosting our annual fundraising dinner on Thursday, August 17th. We extend our gratitude to Jim and Laura Witt, our gracious hosts, and Fred’s of Roscommon, our dedicated caterers, for their ongoing support. This delightful evening plays a vital role in sustaining our fight against Swimmer’s Itch. Stay tuned for more information as summer unfolds.
The HLSIO board considers it an honor to represent the Higgins Lake community and continue the battle against Swimmer’s Itch with the generous support of our donors. The progress achieved thus far is significant and a testament to the goodwill exhibited by the residents of our area.
HLSIO End of Year Letter
As the summer season concludes, we reflect upon another year where Swimmers Itch was not a significant issue for our community It proved to be an extraordinary year for lake associations, like ours, who rely on Trap and Release methods to control the problem. Due to the presence of avian flu, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) suspended permits for such activities in 2022. The full impact of this suspension will become more apparent on other lakes in 2023. However, we were fortunate that no broods needed removal from Higgins Lake this year. While migration still plays a role, the number of cases was minimal, and we considered ourselves fortunate to have evaded this challenge when our primary tool was unavailable.
The avian flu has witnessed a substantial reduction in recent months. However, its complete eradication remains uncertain until spring. The influence of migration on the viability of the flu in 2023 will be closely monitored in the coming months. Whether restrictions on Trap and Release methods will be imposed again is yet to be determined.
One fact remains certain: the Swimmers Itch problem is most prominent with the presence of common merganser ducks and their interaction with Stagnicola snails. Our research in 2021 revealed that the potential for Swimmers Itch from the Canada goose cycle with Helisoma snails is significantly lower than previously suggested. Therefore, our focus should primarily be on controlling common mergansers to effectively manage Swimmers Itch.
In 2022, we initiated a study to identify when and where Swimmers Itch cases were reported on Higgins Lake. We intend to continue collecting data for this study in 2023 to identify potential patterns that could guide our future actions. Please refer to the attached research study report for more detailed information.
Regarding avian flu, its viability in 2023 remains uncertain. We are yet to determine whether restrictions on relocating ducks will be necessary again. Winter discussions have already been scheduled with the DNR to evaluate this situation.
We extend our gratitude for your past participation and encouragement. The success we have achieved in combating Swimmers Itch is a testament to the unwavering support of the Higgins Lake community. The HLSIO board is fully committed to utilizing proven methods to control the spread of Swimmers Itch in the future. Moreover, we will continue our pursuit of new and more effective approaches.
We wish everyone a joyful holiday season and a Merry Christmas.
Sincerely,
Your HLSIO Board
Melanie Brown, Bill Carey, Phil Czech, Duncan Lawrence, Dale McDonald, John Ogren, Mike Purkey, and Greg Semack