Save Stiff’s Mill Pond – Hold EGLE Accountable

(Updated to reflect current developments and ongoing efforts)

Protecting Our Waterway, Wildlife, and Community for Generations

Stiff’s Mill Pond is more than water held back by a dam — it is Holly’s history, a living habitat, a public recreation space, and a symbol of what our community stands for.

This is a bipartisan issue. Stiff’s Mill Pond in Holly, Michigan, is under threat from rushed and heavy-handed state actions by EGLE. This historic waterway — home to swans, herons, fish, and countless other species — suffererd it's first Summer time Drawdown, and was drawn down a quoted (From EGLE DSU (Dam Safety Unit) representative Allyson Hartz) "45 inches".

EGLE performed this drawdown in just 10 business days, (Because urgent emergent action from the state always leaves time for weekends off) which has resulted in 30+ feet of shoreline exposed around both the lower and upper Mill Pond/Impoundment, and has left habitats disrupted. We need decision makers and legislators to step in, demand oversight, and ensure that EGLE’s actions are based on facts and sound science — not on arbitrary deadlines.

The Village of Holly — with President April Brandon and Village Manager Tim Price leading the charge — have been incredible partners in this effort. They’ve worked hand-in-hand with the Dam Committee, a 17-member group they helped establish, that brings together residents from Holly and Rose Township both, and is comprised of engineers, environmental experts, and local leaders, including Holly Village Council Member Buster Winebrenner, Rose Township Trustee Mike Maher, Rose Township Supervisor Brad Stilwell, and County Commissioner Bob Hoffman. 

This broad, bipartisan, multijurisdictional team, is united by one goal: securing a Legal Lake Level through Oakland County so the dam and spillway can be maintained for the long haul and Stiff’s Mill Pond can be protected for generations to come.

 
Why This Matters

• Wildlife Habitat – The pond supports swans, herons, ducks, fish, and countless other species. It provides winter water for migratory birds and nesting space for returning swan families each year.
• Public Access – This is not a private pond. It’s the official starting point of the Shiawassee National Water Trail and open to everyone for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and nature viewing.
• Historical Significance – Stiff’s Mill Pond has been part of Holly’s story since 1843, when Ira Alger dammed the Shiawassee River to power Holly’s first mills — sparking the growth of the town itself.
• Community Identity – Mill ponds are “place makers.” They shape the character of towns across Michigan and anchor local history.

 
We Call on Oakland County and State Leaders to:

• Provide clear, accountable oversight of EGLE’s actions and prevent rushed, unfounded drawdowns.
• Support the Legal Lake Level process now underway so the pond and dam can be maintained responsibly and fairly.
• Protect wildlife habitats and restore shorelines impacted by the forced drawdown.
• Defend public access to this historic and recreational waterway.

 
Note: This petition is not the property-owner petition currently being collected for the County. This Change.org petition is for anyone, anywhere who supports protecting natural resources, historic waterways, wildlife, and public access — and ensuring government agencies are held accountable to the communities they serve.