Happy Michigan Conservation District Day!
Gov. Whitmer Makes July 17 Michigan Conservation District Day
Executive Proclamation Celebrates 83rd Anniversary of Key Conservation Law, Local Protection of Michigan’s Natural Resources
EAST LANSING, MI — This afternoon, Governor Gretchen Whitmer established July 17 as Conservation District Day throughout Michigan.
The date commemorates the 83rd anniversary of Public Act 297 of 1937, Michigan’s first Soil Conservation District law, enacted as a locally-based response to the soil erosion catastrophe of the 1930s Dust Bowl, coupled with extreme drought nationwide.
Since 1937, the scope and responsibility of Michigan Conservation Districts has grown far beyond their original focus of agricultural soil quality, to include invasive species management, optimizing forestland habitat, safe-guarding water quality and quantity, providing conservation education, recycling support, farmland protections, and more.
“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 MACD and Board Chair of Kent Conservation District.
“Conservation Districts have worked hand-in-hand with Michigan’s farmers and producers for 83 years to accomplish this mission.”
In their agricultural conservation work, Conservation Districts deliver several State and Federal programs, including the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Program (MAEAP) and the Qualified Forest Program; and are the local partner with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).
Those partnerships equate into real dollars for Michigan agriculture.
Last year alone, Michigan Conservation District partnerships with the USDA-NRCS delivered over $30 Million in Farm Bill funding directly to Michigan’s land owners, to specifically address natural resource concerns on their private lands.
“In their 83-year history, our Districts 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,“ said Lori Phalen, Executive Director of MACD.
“Governor Whitmer’s recognition of Michigan Conservation Districts highlights their importance in providing Michiganders with quality programs and assistance to better manage and conserve our natural resources.
“In the years to come, Conservation District Day will also remind all Michigan citizens that their local Conservation District is there to help protect and enhance their natural resources now and into the future.”
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.
To learn more about Michigan Conservation Districts and their programs and services, visit www.macd.org.
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.
