Frankfort, Mich. (07/03/2026) – The parties to the Crystal Lake & Watershed Association (“CLWA”) and Sunkissed Hills, LLC (“Sunkissed Hills”) lawsuit have settled the matter.
The agreement resolves the association’s 2024 lawsuit and recognizes Terra Innovations’ environmental stewardship at the Sunkissed Hills development on Crystal Lake in Frankfort, Michigan.
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to practical, expert-informed environmental stewardship that complements existing residential uses and enhances the area’s natural viewshed. CLWA acknowledges and appreciates Terra Innovations in particular for its role in taking measures to protect the natural environment within the Crystal Lake Watershed Overlay District.
The Agreed Findings
CLWA filed its lawsuit in November 2024. Since that time, the circumstances and the parties’ understanding of the facts have evolved, and discovery and pre-trial investigation have confirmed that, throughout the development process, Terra Innovations worked in coordination with applicable local, county, and state regulatory authorities and complied with everything those regulatory bodies asked. The parties reached the following agreed conclusions:
- Wetland protection. Terra Innovations intentionally sited the residences as far from the wetlands on the property as possible, and preserved the wetlands and vegetative buffer between the Betsie Valley Trail and the shoreline, natural features that further protect water quality.
- Septic compliance. The septic systems installed by Terra Innovations are and have been compliant with county health department regulations.
- Soil erosion control. There is a currently approved and implemented soil erosion plan on the property, and early erosion protection measures put in place by Terra Innovations have proven effective at controlling erosion.
- Stormwater management. The stormwater system installed by Terra Innovations is compliant with applicable local, county, and state regulations. Recent major rainstorms indicate these measures have been effective at controlling runoff, and Terra Innovations’ wetland protection further filters runoff and protects the water quality of Crystal Lake.
- Water quality. Recent water quality results demonstrate that the water quality of Crystal Lake has not been impacted by the Sunkissed development.
- Reforestation. From the start of the project, Terra Innovations committed to planting and protecting the north-facing slope behind the residences, providing a canopy to further contain runoff from future extreme weather events.
- Ongoing stewardship. The homeowners and HOA, now responsible for the wetlands, have proactively applied for EGLE permits to further protect the wetlands on the property.
- Homeowner commitments. The homeowners have also collectively committed to protecting the wetlands on their own properties, installing their own soil erosion control measures, and obtaining necessary permits for boardwalks and other regulated activities through wetlands on their properties.
A Shared Commitment to Crystal Lake
CLWA expresses its thanks and appreciation to Sunkissed Hills, Terra Innovations, and Mr. Billy Becker, president of Terra Innovations, for their responsible leadership and investment in the region.
About Terra Innovations
Since 2008, Terra Innovations has focused on sustainable land development that integrates ecological design, infrastructure innovation, and long-term community value within the Crystal Lake region.
About the Crystal Lake & Watershed Association
CLWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the environmental quality and natural beauty of the Crystal Lake Watershed.
Media Contact
Adam LaBare
Terra Innovations
adam@terrainnovations.com
904-906-5700
The full release is available on ACCESS Newswire.
