The Michigan Conservation Partnership

MACD partners with many statewide groups and organizations, but the four main organizations that assist MACD in their mission are:

The Environmental Stewardship Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture provides assistance to Conservation Districts in the conservation and development of our soil and water resources. Programs administered by the division encourage the installation and management of sustainable resource protection practices at the local level. Division soil scientists produce detailed soil maps of over 200,000 acres annually. The Division’s Groundwater Stewardship Program protects groundwater resources through voluntary, locally driven initiatives that address the concern of individuals and maintain a focus on realistic solutions and the financial and technical constraints which drive real-world decisions.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture agency that helps land users protect our nation’s food-producing and water resources. It also provides assistance to land users related to forestry, wildlife and other natural resources. Public Act 46 of 1935 changed the name of the agency to the Soil Conservation Service and made it a permanent part of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 changed the name to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-governmental, nonprofit organization that represents nearly 3,000 conservation districts across the nation. NACD was founded by districts and their state associations in 1946, following the Dust Bowl crisis and the creation of a nationwide conservation district system. NACD enables districts to do collectively what would be difficult or impossible individually. NACD pools district experience and develops national policies on a continuing basis. It maintains relationships with organizations and government agencies; publishes information about districts; works with leaders in agriculture, conservation, environment, education, industry, religion and other fields; and provides services to its districts.

The Michigan Association of Conservation District Employees was formed in 1984 to represent Conservation District employees interests at the state and national level. It’s purpose is to strengthen Conservation Districts in Michigan by providing a system of resources and communication whereby District employees may more effectively exchange information and ideas. The result is better coordination and effectiveness of Conservation District programs. MACDE is a voluntary organization of personnel employed by Michigan’s 80 Conservation Districts, and directed by a ten-member board elected by the general membership.

© 1998-2005 Michigan Association of Conservation Districts.