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News Releases
CONSERVATION IN ACTION TOUR IS BACK FOR 2024 OWOSSO, MI, AUGUST 27, 2024 - - The Shiawassee Conservation District is hosting the Conservation in Action Tour on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Bennington Township Hall. Participants will board an Indian Trail bus to see conservation in action across Shiawassee County. The bus tour concludes at 1:00 PM, followed a BBQ lunch catered by Clyde’s Pit. All registrants will receive an informational packet. The tour stops include The Milkhouse Farm - Ben and Maggie Kirkman, East Michigan Native Plants, LLC – Angela and James Nelson, and a privately owned, managed woodlot – Jeff Tuller. Special guest speakers include Dr. Christy Sprague, Professor and MSU Extension Weed Specialist, Abby Smith, NRCS State Agronomist, and Jeff Tuller, Consulting Forester, Jeff Tuller Forestry Services. A variety of conservation topics will be discussed featuring soil health, integrated weed management, high tunnel systems, and utilizing drones in conservation. “This tour highlights the work we do with producers to help them improve their farming operation and protect the natural resources we all rely on,” said District Board Member Michelle Glass. “Conservation technologies evolve, and events like this are a great way to stay informed of innovations and program opportunities.” Other conservation practices that will be highlighted include grazing management systems, cover crops, and forestry management. The event begins with registration at 8:30 AM and the bus will leave the hall promptly at 9:00 AM. Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) credits will be offered. SPACE IS LIMITED and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Please contact the Shiawassee Conservation District at (989) 723-8263 ext. 3 to register by September 10, or until the spaces are filled.
SHIAWASSEE CONSERVATION DISTRICT RECEIVES SHIAWASSEE RIVER WATERSHED RESTORATION GRANT OWOSSO, MI, August 9, 2024 - - The Shiawassee Conservation District was recently awarded a $594,083 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program grant for the Mid-Shiawassee River Watershed Restoration Project from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This project will focus on restoring impaired water quality by addressing sources of nonpoint source pollution. Project activities will involve inspecting septic systems, conducting public education initiatives, performing environmental risk assessments, and implementing voluntary conservation practices to reduce pollutants in the river and tributaries. Since 2000, the Shiawassee Conservation District has been dedicated to decreasing nonpoint source pollution in the Mid-Shiawassee River Watershed. This journey started with the creation of a Watershed Management Plan to define pollution issues and establish a plan of action. Subsequent efforts included launching a conservation awareness initiative, promoting the adoption of best management practices in agricultural, urban, and residential areas, collaborating with various partners to update the management plan, and extending the project's impact. The Conservation District also nurtures strong relationships with agricultural producers, assisting them with conservation planning and the implementation of practices that enhance our watersheds. “We are excited to once again focus our efforts on the Shiawassee River Watershed. Although there have been many improvements in the watershed, there are still significant water quality concerns, and we look forward to addressing them through this project,” states Thomas Braid, Shiawassee Conservation District Board Chair. Water in the Shiawassee River Watershed flows to the Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron. Concerns include issues with agricultural, urban, and rural sources of bacteria, sediment, nutrients, and polluted runoff. Partners involved in this project include the Shiawassee County Health Department, Shiawassee County Drain Office, City of Durand, Friends of the Shiawassee River, and others. The commitment of the Conservation District and partners working together will help accomplish long lasting impacts on water quality, and foster stewardship and positively change behavior to protect the water that our communities rely on. This NPS Pollution Control project has been funded wholly or in part through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement 2024-0019 to the Shiawassee Conservation District for the Mid-Shiawassee River Watershed Restoration Project. The contents of the document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. For more information on the Shiawassee River Watershed, NPS Pollution Control Fund, or the voluntary programs available through this project, contact the Shiawassee Conservation District at (989) 723-8263, ext. 3.