Remembering Patty Birkholz

Former OGL Director Patricia Birkholz leaves Great Lakes legacy

Former state Senator and Office of the Great Lakes Director Patricia Birkholz has died at age 74 following a battle with cancer.

Ms. Birkholz brought her passion for the Great Lakes from her home in the coastal town of Saugatuck to her long career marked by advocacy for natural resources environmental issues.

Highlights from her career include work to establish the state Recreation Passport, the 2008 Great Lakes Compact, a wetlands protection law, and the development of Michigan’s water withdrawal law.

“Michigan has lost a tenacious fighter for her state and for the Great Lakes. Her contributions will last as a legacy to her determination and her passion,” said Office of the Great Lakes Director Jon W. Allan. "Thank you, Patty, for your leadership as a champion for the Great Lakes we all love." 

The Michigan Office of the Great Lakes recognizes Ms. Birkholz’s contributions as a longtime public servant to Michigan and the Great Lakes, and expresses our deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.