MACD News

Pigeon Creek and Hayworth Creek Watersheds Targeted for New USDA Water Quality Initiative

Fri, 11 May 2012 01:26:00 GMT

EAST LANSING, May 10, 2012 — Pigeon Creek Watershed in Calhoun County and Hayworth Creek Watershed in Clinton County will be part of the new National Water Quality Initiative. This USDA initiative targets impaired watersheds, providing conservation funding to farmers to implement practices that will protect and improve the wildlife and fish habitat and water quality.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds will be utilized for this program, with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service providing the financial and technical assistance, in partnership with the Calhoun and Clinton Conservation Districts. Conservation practices including cover crops, nutrient management, filter strips and conservation tillage will be encouraged within these watersheds where the on-farm investments have the best chance to improve water quality.

"We are very pleased to have two Michigan watersheds chosen for this program. The initiative will bolster voluntary conservation efforts by providing farmers with additional tools to install conservation practices to better improve water quality in these watersheds" said Lori Phalen, MACD Executive Director. The Calhoun and Clinton Conservation Districts well understand the significant conservation issues facing these watersheds and will work closely with the USDA-NRCS to bolster voluntary conservation efforts through this program."

Farmers can check with the Calhoun Conservation District or Clinton Conservation District or view the online maps for the Pigeon Creek and Hayworth Creek Watersheds to see if they are located in a selected watershed. Farmers within the watersheds are encouraged to apply, with applications due by June 16, 2012 in order to be considered. All applicants will be notified this summer of the results of the competitive selection process, with NRCS developing contracts with applicants approved for funding.

Michigan Conservation Districts and NRCS have worked in close collaboration since their establishment in the 1930's. Today, this powerful conservation delivery system works with private landowners to address local conservation needs while addressing state and national interests. Locally directed, Michigan Conservation Districts partner closely with the NRCS as well as the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality to provide the cost effective delivery of state and federal programs including Federal Farm Bill programs, Michigan Environmental Stewardship Program, Bovine TB Risk Mitigation Project, Critical Dunes Vegetative Removal Assurances, Hunter Access Program, Michigan Pheasants Restoration Initiative, and several Great Lakes Restoration Initiative projects.

For more information on Michigan Conservation Districts and their conservation activities and partnerships, please visit www.macd.org. Visit the Michigan NRCS website at www.mi.usda.gov.

MACD Summer Conference Registration is Open

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:35:00 GMT

The MACD Summer Conference awaits you!

This year, the event will be held at Treetops Resort in Gaylord on June 20 and 21st. The Summer Conference provides targeted training specifically geared toward Conservation Districts and the opportunity to network with District board and staff members from all over the state, all in the beautiful and relaxing environment of Treetops Resort!

Learn more and register by visiting the MACD Summer Conference 2012 web pages today!

Every Day is Earth Day

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:22:00 GMT

Officially, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. This international holiday has grown from a small fledgling holiday 42 years ago, to an event celebrated in over 192 countries today!

For me, the Earth Day celebration lasts much longer than one day, I consider April to be "Earth Month". With spring weather settling in here in Michigan, flowers are blooming, farmers are preparing for spring planting, Conservation Districts are holding spring tree sales, outdoor education programs are gearing up including the Michigan Envirothon program. Add to this Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations held throughout the last two weeks of April and you have one busy, outdoorsy month.

I would like to propose that as individuals, we take the idea of Earth Day to the next level, by making every day an Earth Day. Can you just imagine what would happen if everyone did one little thing each and every day for our earth, our natural resources? Just consider the possibilities!

Spring!

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:26:00 GMT

Tuesday, March 20 is first day of spring! With the weather we are having in southern Michigan, spring has a significant jump start, with the daffodils blooming and the wetlands a chorus of song from Michigan's frogs and toads and many species of birds. I encourage you to take a moment this week to visit a wetland near you to listen and see if you can name the species that are singing the songs of spring.

An easy way to get started is to learn to identify Michigan's frogs and toads. With only 13 native species of frogs and toads, they are easy to learn. In early spring, only a few are calling and in my local wetland I have been able to identify four species at the time of this writing.

There are many resources available to help you learn the about our native frogs and toads and their songs. The Michigan DNR web site (LINK) has detailed information on Michigan's frogs and toads and you can hear recordings of their songs by visiting the MSU Remote Environmental Assessment Laboratory web site (LINK). For those die hard frog and toad enthusiasts the DNR Frog and Toad Survey provides a fun spring and early summer project. Participants document frog and toad abundance and distribution, helping the state to monitor populations over the long term. To learn more about this program, visit the Michigan DNR Frog and Toad Survey page, (LINK).

Your local Conservation District is also a resource for printed materials and identification guides. Many Districts have available for sale identification books and audio CDs with pictures, descriptions and quality recordings of Michigan's native frogs and toads so you can take your guides with you as you visit your local wetlands.

Have fun and happy listening!

Oakland Conservation District Hosting Public Meeting for Landowners in the Flint River Watershed

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:51:00 GMT

Oakland CD Hosting Public Meeting Landowners in the Flint River Watershed in Oakland County are invited to a public meeting on March 6 to address phosphorus and water quality.

The meeting, hosted by the Oakland Conservation District, will begin at 6:45 p.m. at the Holly Public Library in Holly.

The district received grant funds from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to work with landowners to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering surface water in the watershed.

Anyone planning to attend the meeting is asked to RSVP by noon on March 6 by calling 248/328-0594. A dessert made of locally grown food will be served.

Local Conservation District Events

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:55:00 GMT

Michigan Conservation Districts are your local natural resource, resource! Districts provide a wealth of information and assistance for landowners and managers, including workshops and tours that address local resource issues.

As an example of the many opportunities available through local Conservation Districts find below two workshops scheduled for February 25th. The Alcona Conservation District in the northeast and the Emmet Conservation District in the northwest are holding these workshops on timely topics of interest.

"Pruning Fruit Trees and Protecting My Shade Trees from Emerald Ash Borer and Other Key Pests - It's Never Too Late", a day long comprehensive workshop scheduled for February 25th at the Greenbush Township Hall in Greenbush, hosted by the Alcona Conservation District. To learn more, visit their website or contact Janet Reins at (989) 724-8229 or email janet.reins@macd.org.

"Hardwood Timber Management for Property Owners" is being hosted by the Emmet Conservation District and is scheduled for February 25th at the Emmet County Fairgrounds Community Center. This morning educational program will discuss sustainable management of your forest and how harvesting can help improve your land for other uses including wildlife. To learn more, visit the Emmet Conservation District website or contact Cydney Steeb at 231-439-8977 or email cydney.steeb@macd.org.

MACD to Participate in Michigan Pheasants Forever's State Convention

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:29:00 GMT

MACD plans to participate in the 17th annual state convention of Michigan Pheasants Forever, scheduled for Saturday, February 4 at the Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath, Michigan. As a partner organization, MACD will provide a partner report on the programs and activities of Michigan Conservation Districts and will share with participants the critical role Conservation Districts play in the Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative.

See you there!

learn more about the event (LINK)

MACD attended MTA Expo

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:06:00 GMT

MACD participated in the Michigan Township Association's Expo held in conjunction with the MTA Annual Educational Conference on Wednesday and Thursday, January 25 and 26, 2012. The event, held at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, provided the opportunity to share information about Michigan's Conservation Districts to hundreds of township officials from all over the state.

Conservation Districts provide townships with a wealth of information and assistance to help their constituents to better understand and manage their land. From the urban landscapes and deep forests, to the rich farmland where Michigan agriculture thrives, Conservation Districts are the natural resource, resource for non-industrial private land owners!

Van Buren Conservation District takes on County's Resource Recovery Program

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:59:00 GMT

Van Buren County commissioners signed an agreement with A.J. Brucks, executive director of the Van Buren Conservation District, for the District to manage the Household Hazardous Waste program for the county. The District will provide educational programming and administer the household hazardous waste collections beginning in February, 2012.

The District will work with schools, businesses and residents on recycling and composting, with the goal to increase participation in all aspects of resource recovery to better protect the natural resources of Van Buren County.

For more information contact:

AJ Brucks
Van Buren Conservation District
1035 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, Michigan 49079

269.657.4030 x5
alison.brucks@mi.nacdnet.net
www.vanburencd.org

Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative: Landowner Pheasant Cooperative meeting scheduled for the "Thumb".

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:59:00 GMT

Join other interested landowners in the Thumb area of Michigan on January 26th for a Landowner Pheasant Cooperative meeting. The meeting will be held at the DNR Field Office in Cass City, at 7:00 pm.

Pheasants Forever and local partners including area Conservation Districts, the meeting will provide you the tools and information on how to form a Landowner Pheasant Cooperative in your area. Program topics include the current Farm Bill conservation programs, Hunter Access Program, the formation of local Landowner Pheasant Co-ops and MPRI program details. Event Flyer.

The Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative (MPRI) is working to facilitate a revitalization of pheasants and other species that utilize grasslands, by providing guidance and assistance on habitat prescriptions for pheasants and by facilitating the development of "Neighborhood Cooperatives". Learn more about the MPRI by visiting the MACD website Wildlife page.

For more information, please contact Kevin Wilson, Farm Bill Biologist, at the Bay County Conservation District (989) 684-1040

Hope to see you there!

MACD Convention and Annual Meeting - Coming Soon!

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:16:00 GMT

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts Convention and Annual Meeting is scheduled for December 7 -9 at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

A great opportunity for Districts and their partners, the event will provide attendees with quality educational sessions, networking opportunities and special workshops on agricultural and natural resource conservation topics. The annual meeting for MACD will also be held during the event on Thursday, December 8.

Learn more about the event view the agenda and register by visiting the MACD website Convention Pages today!

MACD Welcomes New ME Coordinator

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:05:00 GMT

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts is pleased to announce the arrival of our new Michigan Envirothon Coordinator! Recently, Ben Wickerham, our program coordinator for the last two years moved on to another position in the field of natural resource conservation with the Pheasants Forever organization. Even more recently, the Michigan Envirothon steering committee happily discovered the perfect candidate to take on the role of Envirothon Coordinator and to take the Michigan Envirothon program to the next level: Angela Sandusky.

In Ben's words: "Leaving the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts in my role as Envirothon Coordinator was a very difficult and bittersweet decision. Over the past two years, I have fallen in love with the core mission of Envirothon and the impact it has on young people. I hope some of our volunteers' amazing traits of dedication, creativity and passion have rubbed off on me during this time! For the time spent working with the outstanding educators and supporters of Michigan Envirothon, I know I leave the position richer in life experiences and with a greater passion for environmental stewardship than when I began. I hope to continue 'inspiring environmental stewardship in Michigan's high school students' from my new position and hope to stay in touch with the Envirothon community. I've seen wonderful signs that indicate the best years of Michigan Envirothon are yet to come! Best wishes to Angela and best wishes to all in the coming 2012 Michigan Envirothon Competition!"

In Angela's words:"I caught my first fish with my bare hands (it was more of a minnow really) in the creek that flowed through my family's farm in southeast Michigan. This memory and others like it have fueled my life long love of and passion for Michigan's natural resources. I spent the last five years as a non formal, outdoor and environmental educator with the Michigan DNR. I'm passionate about inspiring stewardship and believe that for Michigan's future we must empower and educate our youth. By engaging young people through activities such as the Michigan Envirothon we not only create future stewards, we also strengthen Michigan for all its citizens. Michigan Envirothon has the potential to reach every high school student in the state giving them hands on, real life and life changing opportunities to experience their world and make them engaged citizens and leaders in their community. This is awesome potential and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such a great program and dedicated bunch of educators, sponsors and team leaders!"

In addition to Angela's ME Coordinator responsibilities, Angela will also be assisting MACD on various programs of the association.

Angela may be contacted at (517) 930-7449 or via email at angela.sandusky@macd.org and mienvirothon@macd.org

Welcome Angela!

Michigan Envirothon Fall Fundraiser This Saturday at Shawhaven Farm!

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:25:00 GMT

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather this weekend?

Bring your family, bring your friends and join us at Shawhaven Farm Saturday, October 8 from 4:00pm to 8:30pm.

Michigan Envirothon is pleased to be holding the Fall Fundraiser at Shawhaven Farm. Shawhaven is a great place filled with fun fall activities including an 8 acre corn maze and a haunted house and ME is pleased to be working with them on our annual Fall Fundraiser event! In addition to the regular activities at the farm, Michigan Envirothon holding a silent auction and pumpkin decorating for the young and young at heart. Top it off with fresh cider and donuts and you have the recipe for a great day!

Proceeds of this event will help fund Michigan Envirothon for the 2012 season.

Visit michiganenvirothon.org for further details and learn more about Shawhaven Farm by visiting their websites: Shawhaven Farm Shawhaven Haunted Farm

Join us on Saturday and Support Michigan Envirothon!!!

Michigan Envirothon Fall Fundraiser - October 8th, 4:00pm - 8:30pm - Join in the Fun!

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:55:00 GMT

Join your friends for a special day of fun and thrills at Shawhaven Farm and Support Michigan Envirothon!!

An Envirothon silent auction is planned and special Envirothon activities will be available in addition to all Shawhaven fun and spooky attractions!

Enjoy a day on the farm. Decorate your own pumpkin, enjoy fresh cider and donuts, visit the animals and test your skills in the 8 Acre corn maze! In addition the haunted Samara’s Boarding House awaits and for the brave of heart - the Last Ride is a must!

Come to Shawhaven Farm on Saturday, October 8 from 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm and Support Michigan Envirothon!

Learn More

Shawhaven Farm website

Shawhaven Haunted Farm website

MAEAP Meets 1,000 Verifications Goal!

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:41:00 GMT

The Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program this week reached 1,000 verifications!

Reaching this 1,000 verification milestone tops off a year of significant accomplishments for the program. We began 2011 with Governor Snyder signing Public Acts 1 and 2 of 2011 to codify MAEAP into law. That action was followed by a major effort within MDARD and partner organizations to review and update MAEAP standards, ramp up public outreach and marketing and most importantly focus efforts on the local level to educate farmers on the many benefits of MAEAP. Michigan Conservation Districts took the lead locally, doing what they do best: working one on one within their communities to provide the education and assistance to move farmers toward the goal of MAEAP verification.

Thank you to everyone who has worked within the MAEAP framework to achieve this 1,000 verification goal. Over the last decade we have built a solid, well respected program and have moved the program forward to achieve the significant accomplishments that we celebrate today.

Wow - just think what we will be able to accomplish in the future!

MAEAP - Kalamazoo County Field Event: September 14, 2011

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:34:00 GMT

Kalamazoo County MAEAP Field Event at David Rutten's farm on September 14, 2011, 7pm - 9 pm. A more detailed agenda is provided below. Please contact Linda Jones Zabik with any questions at 269-327-1258 x4.

Agenda:

7:00 "Welcome and Introduction to the MAEAP Program" - Linda Zabik, Kalamazoo County MAEAP

7:15 "Pest Updates" Bruce MacKellar and/or Dan Rajzer, MSUE

7:30 "SPCC Plans" Cliff Lipscomb - Crystal Flash Energy

7:45 "NRCS Updates" Jean Gagliardo, Kalamazoo County District Conservationist - NRCS

8:00 "Why MAEAP?" David Rutten - KalamazooCounty Farm Bureau President and Producer of a MAEAP Verified Farm

8:15 "Farm Bureau and the MAEAP Program" Emily Ries - Michigan Farm Bureau Agricultural Ecology Specialist

8:30 "Overview of Michigan Right to Farm and GAAMPs" Kristin (Linderman) Esch, MDARD Right to Farm Program

8:45 "MAEAP and Program Wrap-Up" Josh Appleby - MDA

9:00 adjourn

MAEAP Technician Lorry Klinger Receives Outstanding Service Award

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:31:00 GMT

MAEAP Technician Lorry Klinger Receives Outstanding Service Award

Missaukee County, MI-August 22, 2011- The Missaukee Conservation District is pleased to announce that locally based Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Technician Lorry Klinger received the Outstanding Service to Agriculture Award on August 2^nd, 2011 from the Missaukee Farm Bureau. This award was given in recognition of the exceptional service that she has provided to farmers regarding land, livestock and water management.

Lorry says, “I’m really flattered that the agricultural community appreciates the programs and services that we (MAEAP and the Missaukee Conservation District) provide.” Lorry has been assisting farmers in Missaukee, Wexford, Osceola-Lake, Kalkaska, Crawford, and Roscommon counties for 2 years, and hopes that farmers will continue to work with the MAEAP program to promote stewardship and environmentally friendly farming practices.

For further information contact:

Sherry Blaszak, Executive Director Sherry.blaszak@macd.org

Lorry Klinger, Technician Lorry.klinger@macd.org

Missaukee Conservation District
6180 W. Sanborn, Suite 3
Lake City, MI 49651

Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District Holds Conservation Expo

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:22:00 GMT

The Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District will hold the 6th annual Conservation Expo on Saturday August 20. The event will be held at the Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse in Houghton Lake, MI from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. This family friendly event is open to the public at no charge.

Stop by to learn what your local environmental and conservation groups, organizations and units of government can do for you!

For more information, contact the Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District at 989-275-3163 or, barb.stauffer@macd.org

Muskegon Conservation District in the News

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 distributed a press release today announcing the restoration effort for the shoreline of White Lake, near Muskegon. The $2.1 million investment, part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), will ultimately result in the lake being taken off the binational list of U.S. - Canada "Areas of Concern" or AOCs. White Lake flows into Lake Michigan via the White River.

The Muskegon Conservation District was awarded GLRI funding in 2010, in partnership with the White Lake Public Advisory Council. The Conservation District will oversee the work, which will be performed by local firms.

To view the entire press release visit the EPA Region 5 News Room.

MACD Summer Region Meetings Scheduled

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:09:00 GMT

The MACD Summer Region Meetings are being throughout Michigan beginning on July 26 in Region 9. All ten regions will be holding a meeting, hosted by a Conservation District within the region.

To find your region's meeting information, visit the MACD Summer Region Meeting page on the MACD website!

Michigan Pollinator Week, June 20 - 26

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:19:00 GMT

Michigan Pollinator Week is being celebrated this week, June 20 - 26.

Pollinators include bees, butterflies, birds, bats, beetles, and flies, all of which help pollinate an amazing variety of flowering plants and food crops. Nearly 75% of our food crops and over 75% of our flowering plants depend upon pollinators to help carry pollen from one plant to another therefore fertilizing them so that they will reproduce through seeds, nuts, berries and fruits.

Join Michigan Conservation Districts in celebrating our pollinators by learning more about these wonderful creatures! Visit your local Conservation District office for information and ways you can establish pollinator habitat on your land. Visit the Local Districts page on www.macd.org to find your local Conservation District.

MACD Summer Conference Held

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:35:00 GMT

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts held the 2011 Summer Conference at the Kettunen Center in Tustin, MI on June 13 and 14. Over 100 people attended the annual event, attending various educational sessions and networking with peers from around Michigan.

Those who attended are encouraged to complete the Summer Conference Survey to assist MACD and the Partnership Training Committee in planning for future training events.

Learn more about the Summer Conference and view the session presentations, by visiting the Summer Conference page on the MACD website.

MACD Summer Conference - June 13 & 14

Mon, 16 May 2011 17:19:00 GMT

The 2011 Summer Conference is scheduled for June 13 and 14 at the Kettunen Center in Tustin, MI. The agenda and registration materials are now available on the MACD website, Summer Conference page. Hope to see you there!

Happy Arbor Day!

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:47:00 GMT

Today, April 29th is Arbor Day - a special day to celebrate our trees and forests! Take a moment today to stop and enjoy the beauty of our trees and forests. A truly beautiful and bountiful resource.

National Stewardship Week

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:17:00 GMT

This week is National Stewardship Week!

Sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts, this year's theme " Forests for People - More than You Can Imagine" promotes our nation's trees and forests and the vital services they provide! Learn more

Celebrate Earth Day!

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:01:00 GMT

Happy Earth Day!

On Friday April 22nd people around the world will celebrate Earth Day. Honorary events such as planting trees, special hikes, biking trips, schoolyard clean ups and tours of green technology projects will help earth's citizens learn about the world they live upon.

Michigan Conservation Districts make every day Earth Day by helping Michigan's citizens learn more about the natural world around them by working with them to address natural resource issues in their local communities. Through workshops, field days, technical assistance and cost share opportunities, Conservation Districts provide an amazing variety of programs and assistance targeted toward the specific needs of their communities.

Hands on, hard working and dedicated the wise management of Michigan's natural resources Conservation Districts are your natural resource, resource! Join them as they celebrate Earth Day every day, by putting on your boots, grabbing your gloves as you head outdoors to enjoy the natural world. And, when you get back in, give your local Conservation District a call to see what you can do to really make a difference in the world around you!

2011 Think Green Raffle Begins!

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:30:00 GMT

MACD is pleased to announce the start of the 2011 Think Green Raffle! Tickets will be mailed out to Districts that participated in the 2010 raffle. If your District did not participate in prior raffles and you would like to participate this year, please contact MACD. Not a District and interested in purchasing a raffle ticket? Click on the Think Green banner on the MACD home page for information on where you can obtain tickets.

Working Together to Restore Pheasants and Habitat in Michigan

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:41:00 GMT

Working Together to Restore Pheasants and Habitat in Michigan

Local Conservation Districts have partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Pheasants Forever, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to restore habitats for Michigan pheasants. They are participating in the new Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative, which began in early 2011.

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry has voiced her support of this program. "Hunting and outdoor recreation is part of our way of life in Michigan,” she said. “This program lets our farmers and landowners get added value from their property while opening up access for hunting."

Conservation Districts are excited about the potential of this program to improve habitat, increase wildlife populations and improve small game hunting opportunities to Michigan's hunters," said Lori Phalen, Executive Director of the Michigan Assocation of Conservation Districts. "Districts are local units of state government that provide natural resource management services to Michigan's non-industrial private landowners. The Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative (MPRI) provides an excellent opportunity to focus landowners on the benefits of quality grassland habitats that are critical to robust pheasant populations, as well as to many other game and non game species."

The beginning project will focus on three pilot zones:

1) Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties

2) Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Monroe counties

3) Gratiot, Saginaw, and Clinton counties

Michigan Conservation District staff will take the lead on financial and technical assistance. They will seek eligible landowners and provide guidance and assistance on habitat prescriptions for pheasants. To be eligible, landowners must work together to devote large blocks of land that could serve as a patchwork of different privately owned lands set aside for habitat. This is a cooperative initiative that requires a group of property owners to voluntarily agree to work together in "Neighborhood Cooperatives" to implement habitat projects.

Staff will also assist cooperatives in identifying federal, state, and private assistance for funding or implementing habitat projects. NRCS and Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide funding to landowners through conservation cost-share programs to install these habitat restoration practices. Chapters of Pheasants Forever will provide free seed to landowners. In some cases, the MDNRE will donate the use of farm implements and planting equipment, and release live pheasant if the area is suitable. The MDNRE will also partially fund technicians for this project in the three pilot zones.

Landowners can also sign up for funding through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)a program is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in March and April. CRP is administered by the FSA with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) providing technical assistance through conservation planning. Created in 1985, the CRP has been a useful tool for creating habitat for pheasants and other wildlife. CRP offers annual payments for 10-15 year contracts to participants who establish grass, shrub and tree cover on their environmentally sensitive lands.

If you are interested in participating in the Pheasant Restoration Initiative, form your own Neighborhood Cooperative, or find out where you can join a Cooperative please contact your local Conservation District found on the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts on the local districts page of this website.. You can read more about the initiative on the wildlife page.

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), a non-profit organization that represents the interests of Michigan Conservation Districts and works to strengthen Districts through leadership, information and representation at the state level.

Michigan’s 79 Conservation Districts are the local providers of natural resource management services that help our citizens conserve their lands and our environment for a cleaner, healthier, economically stronger Michigan.

Landowners Encouraged to Sign Up for Conservation Reserve Program

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:08:00 GMT

Agricultural producers, operators and landowners are encouraged to take advantage of the current open general sign up period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Sign up began on March 14, 2011, and continues through April 15, 2011.

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the largest private lands conservation program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program is made available through the Farm Bill and encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland to resource-conserving vegetative cover.

Lori Phalen, Executive Director of Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), encourages those interested to contact their Conservation District today for assistance and more information. "CRP helps agricultural producers convert environmentally sensitive agricultural land to achieve conservation benefits including protecting water quality and reducing soil erosion."

Land currently not enrolled in CRP may be offered in this sign up provided all eligibility requirements are met. Additionally, current CRP participants with contracts expiring this fall may make new contract offers. Contracts awarded under this sign up are scheduled to become effective Oct. 1, 2011.

To be eligible for CRP, the producer must have owned or operated the land for at least 12 months prior to the close of the CRP sign up - April 15, 2011. Land must be cropland which has been planted or considered planted to an agricultural commodity four of the six crop years from 2002- 2007, and which is physically and legally capable of being planted in a normal manner to an agricultural commodity. Alfalfa and other multiyear grasses and legumes grown in a rotation not to exceed 12 years may be eligible for this year.

Benefits to CRP include:
- improved and increased wildlife habitat
- improved water quality
- increased soil quality
- reduced soil erosion
- increased air quality

In return for planting long-term resource conserving covers, the Farm Service Agency, (FSA) provides CRP participants annual rental payments, maintenance payments, cost-share and technical assistance.

"The CRP program has been a very successful one in Michigan and we are very pleased with this general sign up opportunity. I encourage interested producers and landowners to contact their local Conservation District and USDA Service Center to learn more about the program," said Phalen, "This is an exciting opportunity for landowners, one that will reap many environmental benefits for Michigan."

Don't miss this opportunity! Contact your local Conservation District or USDA Service Center for more information or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/crp or visit the farm bill page.

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), a non-profit organization that represents the interests of Michigan Conservation Districts and works to strengthen Districts through leadership, information and representation at the state Conservation Districts are the local providers of natural resource management services that help our citizens conserve their lands and our environment for a cleaner, healthier, economically stronger Michigan.

Benzie CD to be at Benzie Water Festival

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:22:00 GMT

The Benzie Conservation District will take part in the Benzie Water Festival scheduled for March 18, 19 and 20 in Benzie, Michigan.

Join Carol Navaro of the Benzie Conservation District, on Saturday at 3 pm at the Frankfort Elementary School for a program on Rain Gardens. To learn more about the festival visit: http://water-festival.org/

NACD Recent Guest on AgriTalk

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:07:00 GMT

The National Association of Conservation Districts President, Gene Schmidt was a guest on the Tuesday's AgriTalk program to talk about conservation funding in the FY11 budget. The interview is available at by clicking here (on the second half of the show, around the 29:30 mark)

Michigan Conservation Districts Participate in Grand Vision Community Conversation

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:28:00 GMT

The Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse and Leelanau Conservation Districts will take part in the Natural Resources Network of the Grand Vision event on February 23rd from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Oleson Center in Traverse City. The even will feature a panel discussion and a community conversation to discuss how the region's natural resource help drive the region's prosperity. Learn More

Shorelines and Shallows Conference

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:13:00 GMT

MACD is pleased to be a sponsor of the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership's 2011 Conference "Shoreline and Shallows - Modern Lakeshore Revitalization". The conference is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9th at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.

Jackson's Grand River Environmental Action Team Wins Award

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:53:00 GMT

East Lansing, Michigan. For an exceptional year of conservation efforts, the Grand River Environmental Action Team (GREAT) was selected 2010 "Friend of Conservation" by the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD). Every year an individual or organization in Michigan is bestowed this award. This year the Jackson County Conservation District nominated GREAT for consideration.

The “Friend of Conservation” honor is based upon demonstrated contributions to: 1) improving the public’s understanding of natural resources conservation, 2) partnering with a local Conservation District on resource management projects, and 3) furthering the mission of Michigan’s Conservation Districts to help citizens conserve their lands and the State’s resources by working for a cleaner, healthier, and economically stronger Michigan.

In nominating GREAT, the Jackson County Conservation District noted that, in 2010: "GREAT hosted its 100th free public paddle event, held another hugely successful volunteer river cleanup, and dedicated over 200 hours of hard labor in clearing the headwaters for the Grand River Expedition."

GREAT’s Vice President, Kenny Price, and membership secretary, Jim Seitz, accepted the "Friend of Conservation" award from Cecilia Govrik from the Jackson County Conservation District who presented it at MACD's annual convention on December 16.

GREAT president Jonathan Hoover stated: “I can say that it's an honor to be GREAT Board President this year. Much has been accomplished by members of a hard working, talented and conscientious Board. I couldn't be more proud of the contributions made this year by our Board and by our membership.”

The Jackson County Conservation District and GREAT have successfully worked together for more than two decades. GREAT was founded in 1990 to protect and preserve the resources of the Grand River Watershed.

To learn more about the Grand River Environmental Action Team, visit G.R.E.A.T and to learn more about the Jackson County Conservation District, visit their website here.
Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of Michigan Conservation Districts and works to strengthen Districts through leadership, information and representation at the state level.
Michigan’s 79 Conservation Districts are the local providers of natural resource management services that help our citizens conserve their lands and our environment for a cleaner, healthier, economically stronger Michigan.

MACD Convention Held

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:52:00 GMT

The MACD Convention was held on December 15 - 17 in Mt. Pleasant, MI. It was a great event, with districts and partner organizations attending from all over Michigan.

Visit the MACD website convention page for award, sponsor, exhibitor and presentation information. Presentations and supporting materials are posted, with additional files posted throughout January.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success!