The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts Applauds Gov. Whitmer for Establishing July 17 as Michigan Conservation District Day

Executive Proclamation Celebrates 83rd Anniversary of Key Conservation Law,
Local Protection of Michigan’s Natural Resources

The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) applauds Governor Gretchen Whitmer for establishing July 17, 2020 as Conservation District Day!

In Michigan, there are 75 Conservation Districts that provide vital services and assistance to Michiganders, playing a crucial role in the protection and preservation of natural resources on Michigan’s working lands.

“The common mission of Michigan’s Conservation Districts is to protect and enhance the soil, water and habitat resources on working lands across the states’ 83 counties. said Gerald Miller, President of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts and Chair of Kent Conservation District’s Board of Directors. Conservation Districts have worked hand-in-hand with Michigan’s farmers and producers for 83 years to accomplish this mission. The Governor’s Proclamation announcing July 17th, the anniversary date that authorized the establishment of Michigan’s Conservation Districts, informs all Michigan citizens about the role of their local Conservation District to help protect and enhance these resources now and into the future.”

The Proclamation honors the 83rd anniversary of Public Act 297 of 1937, Michigan’s first Soil Conservation District law, enacted as a response to the Dust Bowl and extreme drought across the country. In the last 83 years, the scope and responsibility of Michigan Conservation Districts have grown far beyond their original focus of agricultural soil erosion to include invasive species management, forestland habitat management, water quality and quantity, conservation education, recycling, farmland protection, and more.

“This recognition of Michigan Conservation Districts highlights their importance in providing Michiganders with quality programs and assistance to better manage and conserve our natural resources, said Lori Phalen, MACD Executive Director. “In their 83-year history, they have addressed many significant conservation challenges by providing trusted, local assistance working directly with land owners and managers to positively impact our natural resources, including the reduction of rain water runoff, soil erosion and nutrients into Michigan’s lakes, streams and rivers. “

Michigan Conservation Districts deliver several state and federal programs including the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Program and the Qualified Forest Program; and are the local partner with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). In 2019 Conservation Districts in partnership with the USDA-NRCS delivered over $30 Million dollars in direct funding to Michigan’s land owners to address natural resource concerns on their land.

Visit www.macd.org to learn more about Michigan Conservation Districts and their programs and services.

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 75 Conservation Districts (CDs) are the local providers of Natural Resource management services -- similar to your local fire, police, health, and school services. They are also your neighbors, dedicated to helping their fellow Michiganders conserve their lands and waterways so our environment can be as clean, healthy, and economically robust as possible.

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