What We Do

Conservation Districts are special purpose local units of state government that utilize state, federal and private sector resources to tackle local conservation issues. The Missaukee Conservation District (MCD) was first formed in 1949 by a group of area farmers that wanted to work with landowners to conserve soil and water resources.

How We Do This

We are funded through our annual plant, plat book and tree sales; grants; Missaukee County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control and Recycling Center management agreement; and a millage. This funding has allowed the Conservation District to serve the community for 70 years and achieve our mission.

Landowner and Farmer assistance - Through trained technicians supported by grant programs including the Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative (CTAI) Grant, Forestry Assistance Program and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).

Invasive Species Removal - Partner with North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA) to consult with property owners and survey trails.

Education and Outreach - Presentations and workshops on water quality, wildlife, soil science, sustainability and more. Partner with local schools to achieve Green School Status. There is also a Nature Trail with two geocaches and a free little library on site at MCD.

Forestry - We work with landowners to evaluate the health of their forests and aid in forest management based on landowner goals.

Volunteer Steam Monitoring Program - The program works to monitor macroinvertebrate populations to determine overall stream health. This program began in 2017 and monitors multiple stream sites in the area.

Annual Tree Sales - Promote the planting of beneficial trees and plants in our community. New in 2020 is the option to order Native Wildflower Plant kits.

Recycling - Management of the county owned recycling center which provides free recycling to the public. There is also an annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day where tires are accepted.

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation - Serves as the permitting and enforcing agency for the the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control program within Missaukee County. This is required for all soil disturbances on land greater than an acre OR located within 500 feet of water.

Soil Conservation and Groundwater Protection - A trained technician serves Missaukee County as well as Crawford, Kalkaska and Wexford Counties to assist local farmers in using best management practices in order to obtain environmental verification for their farms supported by MAEAP.