Thursday, 02 July 2026 08:45 PM
Company Update Lawsuits
The settlement resolves the association's 2024 lawsuit and recognizes Terra Innovations' environmental stewardship at the Sunkissed Hills development on Crystal Lake in Frankfort, Michigan.
FRANKFORT, MI / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2026 / The parties to the Crystal Lake & Watershed Association ("CLWA") and Sunkissed Hills, LLC ("Sunkissed Hills") lawsuit have settled the matter.
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.
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 for requirements applicable to the project and complied with everything that those regulatory bodies asked them to do. The parties have reached the following agreed conclusions:
Terra Innovations intentionally sited the residences as far away from the wetlands on the property as possible. Additionally, Terra Innovations has preserved the wetlands and vegetative buffer between the Betsie Valley Trail and the shoreline, recognizing that these natural features further protect water quality.
The septic systems as installed by Terra Innovations are and have been compliant with county health department regulations.
There is a currently approved and implemented soil erosion plan on the property. Early erosion protection measures put in place by Terra Innovations have proven effective at controlling erosion.
The stormwater system that was installed by Terra Innovations is compliant with applicable local, county, and state regulations. Recent major rainstorms indicate that these measures have been effective at controlling runoff. Similarly, Terra Innovations' wetland protection further filters runoff and protects the water quality of Crystal Lake.
Recent water quality results demonstrate that the water quality of Crystal Lake has not been impacted because of the Sunkissed development.
From the start of the project, Terra Innovations has committed to planting and protecting the north-facing slope behind the residences, which will provide a canopy to further contain runoff from future extreme weather events.
The homeowners and HOA, as parties now responsible for the wetlands, have proactively applied for EGLE permits to further protect the wetlands on the property.
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.
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. 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.
CLWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving and enhancing the environmental quality and natural beauty of the Crystal Lake Watershed.
Contact Information for Terra Innovations: Adam LaBare, [email protected], 904-906-5700
Contact Information for CLWA: Kristyn Houle, Attorney for CLWA, [email protected], 231-932-1023
SOURCE: Terra Innovations