Services
The District partners with the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and other agencies and organizations. Historically, the District focused on soil erosion on farms. With time, our scope has broadened. Today, the District provides technical assistance, information, and education to assist people in the District to properly manage their natural resources. Agricultural producers remain our primary focus, but services are also provided to owners of smaller rural properties, suburban and urban properties, as well as local governments.
In addition, programs through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Services Agency (FSA), and EGLE require concurrence by the Conservation District before payments may be made. These programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and the Upper Maple River 319 Grant Program.
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Did you know that the Conservation District also has equipment rentals? Click here for more information.
The Clinton Conservation District’s primary programs:
MAEAP
MAEAP‘s mission is to develop and implement a proactive environmental assurance program ensuring that Michigan farmers are engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and working to comply with state and federal environmental regulations.
Water Quality Protection
Working with landowners to identify and reduce contamination risks to water and other natural resource. Specifically in the Maple and Looking Glass river watersheds.
Reforstation
Funding has been essential to restoring openland complexes. Our goal is to Increase wildlife habitat around Clinton County.
Grassland Habitat Restoration
Help farmers convert their farm land back to native grassland habitat.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
The Clinton Conservation District staff work hand in hand with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to assist landowners in applying for and implementing conservation projects using Farm Bill cost share dollars.
Farm Bill programs are voluntary; they provide opportunities for both land owners and operators. Conservation technical Assistance is offered year-round and is free of charge. Financial Assistance programs are also offered, and applications are accepted throughout the year. With help of local NRCS staff and local conservation district, applications are submitted, ranked, pooled, and selected for funding. All of our programs are voluntary and we are happy to talk through any questions and concerns you may have.
Farm Bill Programs offered:
Environmental Quality Incentive Program
EQIP provides technical, educational, and financial assistance to eligible farmers and landowners to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. Cost-share is available for applicants who were selected for funding. For more info, click here.
Conservation Stewardship Program
CSP is a voluntary conservation program and has a unique role among USDA programs. It identifies and rewards those farmers and ranchers who meet the highest standards of conservation and environmental management on their operations sign-up. For more information, click here.
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Wetland Reserve Program
WRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. For more information, click here.
