For generations, the Hilton Road Spring has been an important part of life on St. Joseph Island. More than just a place to collect fresh water, it is a community resource that connects people to our history, our land, and one another.
I was born and raised on St. Joseph Island. As a child, my grandfather took me to the Hilton Road Spring to collect water for our family camp. Those trips became lasting memories, and today I have the privilege of bringing my own children there. It is a tradition that has been passed from one generation to the next, and I know many other families have similar stories.
Every day, residents and visitors stop at the spring to collect water. From my own observations, I regularly see multiple people using it each day, and I believe many more rely on it than people realize. The spring serves year-round residents, seasonal property owners, and off-grid families who depend on it for a variety of legitimate purposes. For many, losing access would create real hardship.
We understand that there may be concerns regarding liability, ownership, or long-term maintenance. Rather than closing access, we believe these concerns can be addressed by working together. We ask the Township to partner with residents to explore practical solutions that protect both the spring and continued public access.
The Hilton Road Spring is more than a water source—it is part of the history and character of St. Joseph Island. We owe it to future generations to protect it, just as those before us protected it for us.
Please sign this petition and help us encourage the Township to work with the community to find a sustainable solution that keeps the Hilton Road Spring open for everyone.