"when considering the affect our actions may have on the world around us we need to look at least seven generations into the future to get a true idea of results."

As we go to work each day, run our usual errands, and transport the kids to their varied destinations, it is easy to think only of our "own world". We think about what we have to do that day and what we are planning for the weekend, but we often don’t think about what our planet will be like for our grandchildren.

Many Native American traditions call for the seventh generation viewpoint to their actions. This means that when considering the affect our actions may have on the world around us we need to look at least seven generations into the future to get a true idea of results.

For instance, if used oil from a car or boat were dumped into a backyard within the Higgins Lake Watershed, how would that impact the next seven generations? First of all, the oil would seep into the ground and possibly contaminate the groundwater. In years to come many neighboring families could use this contaminated water. Also, this contaminated groundwater would flow through the watershed and eventually be released into Higgins Lake without much filtration, which is possible due to our high water table. This contaminated water could stay in the lake for many years and have an adverse effect on the wildlife, aquatic vegetation, and the people using the lake for recreation.

When you consider the entire population within the watershed and the fact that multiple people could be dumping oil in their backyards, the contamination potential increases drastically. On this scale, you can imagine the potential risks to our water resources for many generations to come.

If each person within our community were to examine how their actions can impact future generations and recognize that the combined actions of the entire community can multiply these impacts, we could together make a significant contribution in the continued health of our watershed.

Oftentimes it seems that our own personal actions can’t effect change because we are just one person. However, if we add up all the people that feel that way we get many, many people. One person can help to break the cycle and one person is all it takes to begin to safeguard our planet and its resources for future generations.

So what can we each do to help? By simply maintaining our septic system, using low phosphorous or phosphorus free fertilizers, helping to preserving wetland areas in the community, and instilling conservation concepts in our children and friends we can positively impact the health of Higgins Lake, the watershed, and the planet.