~For the Land, For the Water, For the Future~
Projects
Current Projects
Green Lake Watershed Assessment
This project aims to assess the health of Green Lake and its catchment area, invest community members in water quality monitoring, create nutrient budget for the lake, and create a lake management plan. After this assessment, best management practices (BMPs) can be implemented to maintain a healthy cisco habitat, Green Lake’s aesthetic values, and recreational opportunities.
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Click the arrow to learn more, and to sign up as a volunteer!
Gun River Watershed Management Plan
The Allegan Conservation District has received funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to update the Gun River Watershed Management Plan. The funding provided by EGLE will allow the Conservation District to assess the progress made towards watershed goals, find where recommendations may need to be adjusted, and identify new concerns.
Great Lakes Commission Project
In partnership with the Macatawa Area coordinating Council, we are recruiting farmers to plant another 300 acres of cover crops, and 3,900 feet of grassed waterways. Farmers, landowners, and decision makers are encouraged to participate in this program if your land resides within the following watersheds:
Peters Creek (Allegan), Upper Macatawa (Ottawa), Noordeloos Creek (Ottawa), and South Branch (Allegan).
Photo courtesy of MSU CANR
Kalamazoo Phosphorus Reduction Program
This program incentivizes practices on cropland that prevent nutrient runoff in the Kalamazoo River Watershed. Practices such as cover crops, no-till, and strip till offer many benefits - and we have funds to get farmers started.
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Read more to see if your fields fall into the project area!
Photo by Harrison Fitts
Regional Conservation Partnership Program with Barry County
Allegan Conservation District is teaming up with Barry Conservation District! Through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, we will be working with local farmers, landowners, and corporations to assist in implementing conservation practices in the Gun, Rabbit, and Thornapple River Watersheds. More information coming soon.
Winter Salt Watch
Allegan Conservation District has partnered with Isaak Walton League of America to collect water samples in the Kalamazoo and Rabbit Rivers in Allegan County. With each water sample, volunteers are gathering data on chloride concentrations to gain a better understanding of how road salts may be entering and harming our waterways. Click the arrow to learn more, and to sign up as a volunteer!
Completed Projects
Gun River Sediment Reduction
We have partnered with Great Lakes Commission to fund* agricultural conservation practices that reduce the transportation of sediment and nutrients to the waterways of the Gun River watershed. These practices include cover crops, no till, reduced tillage, and filter strips.
*Enrollment for this program has ended.
