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Active Project to assess non-point source polution in the Green Lake Watershed. This project aims to protect fisheries, aquatic resources, and the public. Green Lake Watershed Assessment Project Description Green Lake in Allegan County currently supports a strong cisco population and is one of a small number of healthy cisco lakes remaining in Michigan. However, nutrient runoff from agricultural land (52% of the watershed) and urban land (42% of the shore land) is a concern. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has identified Green Lake as a conservation priority because of its high water quality, the presence of cisco, and vulnerability to human disturbances. This project aims to assess the health of the 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. This project is funded by the Fisheries Habitat Grant Program (FHGP) through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. FHGP supports conservation activities to protect fisheries, aquatic resources, and the public. Inherently, the activities carried through this grant will conserve fish and aquatic species habitat, increase the quality of lake-based recreation, and preserve the health of our local waters. Allegan Conservation District was granted funds to support Green Lake because of our need to protect the cisco population that inhabits the water. While Green Lake is one of the few remaining healthy cisco lakes in Michigan, it is under threat due to urban development near the lakeshore, nutrient runoff from agricultural land, and warming of the surface water temperature due to climate change. Purpose and Background Why is it important to protect Cisco? Cisco are native to the Great Lakes and to inland lakes of Michigan, weaving them into our local economy, recreational activities, and aquatic ecosystems. While cisco are desirable to recreational and commercial fishers, they are also essential to the diet of other native fish species. Since cisco require cold, deep lakes with high water quality and well-oxygenated water, they can serve as an indicator to let scientists know when water quality in a lake is degrading. In other words, if cisco are present, the ecosystem and water quality of the lake is likely healthy, but if cisco populations are dropping, that is an indicator of low water quality. This lower water quality can also impact native species such as northern pike and largemouth bass who may depend on cisco for food. Protecting Cisco means we can protect entire ecosystems. Cisco - Photo courtesy of Michigan Sea Grant. Why are Runoff and Climate Change Threats? Agricultural nutrient runoff poses threats to all watersheds in Allegan county. Commonly used fertilizers, especially ones that contain phosphorus and nitrogen, are needed for plant growth on our farms, but they also support unwanted plant growth when they are carried by runoff into bodies of water. This causes an excess of nutrients in our waters, a process called eutrophication. A primary concern with eutrophication is how it can cause algae blooms in lakes. Algae blooms are a host for several further problems - decreased levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, release of harmful toxins, outcompeting beneficial plants that animals feed on, degraded fish habitat, and decreased quality of recreational activities. Additionally, sediment runoff from farmlands and urban areas increases the turbidity of the water, which again, decreases the water quality needed to sustain aquatic life. The problems caused by runoff affect water at all depths, but depending on the scenario, can affect the health of lake bottoms - thus, forcing fish populations to move closer to the water surface to find better water quality. While runoff is causing problems on the bottom of the lakes, climate change is posing threats from the surface. Some fish species, especially Cisco, prefer to live in cool waters – so as water temperatures rise due to climate change, fish begin to search for the colder water found at deeper lake depths. This movement of fish can cause drastic changes in aquatic ecosystems. In tandem, the threats of runoff and climate change are essentially “sandwiching” aquatic species into smaller habitats in middle lake depths. Read this article by The Detroit Free Press to learn more about how water quality and climate change are affecting fish populations. How We Are Stepping In For now, Green Lake is still sustaining a healthy ecosystem, but the Department of Natural Resources has identified Green Lake as a conservation priority. The Allegan Conservation District is teaming up with local volunteers to assess the severity of current sources of sediment and nutrient pollution. This initial assessment will allow us to develop a nutrient budget that will protect Green Lake’s health. After the assessment is complete, we will work with partners to develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) and a Green Lake Watershed Management Plan. The implementation of our management plan and best practices will serve to protect Green Lake before essential ecosystems are permanently damaged.

Database of Watershed Management Plans for watersheds in Allegan County. Watershed Management Plans of Allegan County Purpose of a Watershed Management Plan A Watershed Management Plan (WMP) is written to summarize water quality concerns within a watershed, highlight existing conservation programs and resources, and address sources of sediment and pollution. Further, a WMP serves as guidance to stakeholders, landowners, and community members for them to work to improve water quality within the watershed. To learn more about local watersheds and plans to protect them, read the WMPs below. Map courtesy of Ellie Anne Art Rabbit River Watershed Management Plan Rabbit River Watershed Plan Gun River Watershed Management Plan Gun River Watershed Management Plan Gun Watershed Tillage Gun Watershed Appendices & Figures Kalamazoo River Watershed Management Plan Kalamazoo River Watershed Management Plan Black River Watershed Management Plan Black River Watershed Plan Swan Lake Watershed Management Plan Swan Lake Watershed Management Plan Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians Nonpoint Source Management Program Plan Gun Lake Tribe Environmental Programs

Upcoming volunteer events, community outreach, educational opportunities, and board meetings. EVENTS *If viewing on a mobile device, scroll to the right side of the calendar & click "Agenda" to see in list view. The Allegan Conservation District Board Meetings occur on the third Monday of every month at 4:00pm. Meetings are open to the public, & are held at the Allegan Conservation District office: 2412 Taft Road, Allegan, MI 49010 ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTION will be held on August 18,2026. If you are interested in joining our board please download the nomination petition (button located at bottom of every page on this website) & return to the ACD office by 6/18/26.

Your District Produce Safety Technician will work with you to improve produce safety practices, prepare producers for future inspections, and give one-on-one support for produce management.  Produce Safety Produce Safety Technician Program Michigan is unique in that it is the only State to offer a Produce Safety Technician Program to it's farmers and produce producers. This program offers a variety of services to producers, all with a goal of helping to grow tasty and safe to eat produce. This program is entirely voluntary. The Michigan On Farm Produce Safety Program is non-regulatory, free of cost, and confidential. Your district Produce Safety Technician will work with you to improve produce safety practices, prepare producers for future inspections, and give one-on-one support for produce management. Other services include: Produce Safety Risk Assessments On-Farm Readiness Review so farmers feel prepared to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Farm Visits Action Plan Development Water Testing Training Protocols Record Keeping Wash Pack Consultations Microbial Risk Mitigation Visit the Produce Safety Website Button For more information, or to schedule a service, please contact our local Produce Safety Technician. Patrick Gordon Produce Safety Technician Berrien County Conservation District Patrick.Gordon@macd.org (517) 331-0093

Resources for Invasive Species Treatment and Identification in Allegan County. Learn how you can play your part to keep invasives under control. INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT What are invasive species? Invasive species are plants, animals or fungi that are not native and cause harm or are likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. Not all non-native species are invasive, but the ones that are out-compete native plant species for vital resources like water and sunlight. The loss of native plants to invasive species is extremely detrimental to local ecosystems, wildlife, infrastructure, and more. Invasive species are a serious threat to biodiversity here in Michigan, and across the world. Allegan Conservation District works to fight against invasive species and protect healthy ecosystems in Allegan county. Japanese Knotweed, photo courtesy of SEWISC Hire the ACD Ecological Strike Team for Control of Invasive Species. The team operates from June to August on a variety of species like invasive bittersweet and Japanese knotweed. The species removal services are for-hire and are funded by an hourly fee paid by landowners. If you are interested in invasive species treatment, please fill out this google form: Hire Strike Team For any questions regarding invasive species management or treatment: Ari Henson, Restoration Coordinator Ari.Henson@macd.org cell: (269) 286-3736 Report Invasive Species to MISIN MISIN is the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network The Allegan Conservation District is a proud member of the West michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (WMCISMA), a partnership of groups and individuals working together to address invasive species in Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, Kent, Montcalm, and Newaygo Counties The WMCISMA serves the community by securing funding to treat invasive species, providing information on invasive species, and more. For any regional invasive species queries or more information on the WMCISMA, please contact: Murielle Garbarino Murielle.Garbarino@macd.org (616) 842-5852 ext 5 CISMA Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) HWA is an invasive insect native to Japan. It extracts sap from hemlock trees, weakening needles, shoots, and branches. Over time, tree growth slows, and without treatment, infested trees die within 4-10 years. Hemlocks are some of the oldest living trees in Michigan, providing important habitat and winter cover for many species. HWA can be identified by: White, cottony masses about 1/4 the size of cotton swab attached to the twigs, at the base of needles on underside of branches Needle loss and branch die back, no new growth Gray-tinted foliage For more information on Hemlock Woolly Adelgid in West Michigan, please visit Ottawa Conservation District's website (OttawaCD.org). For questions about HWA treatment services, please contact the Forest Pest Specialist at Ottawa Conservation District: Brendan Canavan, Forest Pest Specialist Brendan.Canavan@macd.org (616) 414-2638 Spongy Moth Management Outbreaks of spongy moth are not frequent but are unpleasant. Learn about why populations grow and collapse and how you can deal with their impact. Below are links and videos to help you decide how to manage your Spongy Moth outbreak. ACD Spongy Moth Printable Information Brochure ACD YouTube: Spongy Moth Tree Wrap Tutorial ACD YouTube: Forest Management Spongy Moth Lecture Susceptibility of the ENDANGERED Karner Blue Butterfly to BtK treatment

Register for Carp Derby Here Help reel in some fun! Join us for the 2026 Lake Allegan Carp Derby! Local partners are hosting a day of fishing, fun activities, and education on aquatic invasive species! Carp fishing starts at midnight on June 13 and runs through 11 am. Fishers will catch as many carp as possible (by any legal means) during that time and bring them to the designated checkpoint to be measured and weighed. Prizes will be awarded at 11:45, and include goods from AMS Bowfishing and Mega Mouth, as well as quality local goods. All participants must register, and there is a $20 cost for everyone 16 years old and up (registration includes a t-shirt!). Thank you to the hosts: The Allegan Conservation District, ODC Network, Lake Allegan Association, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and American Rivers. We’d also like to thank our sponsors, Mega Mouth and AMS Bowfishing! Thank you to our sponsors!

Mission Statement; What We Do; Contact Us MISSION STATEMENT The Allegan Conservation District is dedicated to helping all land users wisely manage the natural resources of Allegan County. We strive to achieve this in an economically feasible way through working partnerships to sustain the natural resources for future generations. WHAT WE DO The Allegan Conservation District is a unique local unit of State Government, that utilizes state, federal, and private sector resources to solve today’s conservation problems. The guiding philosophy of the Allegan Conservation District is that decisions on conservation issues should be made at the local level, by local people. Created to serve as stewards of natural resources, the Allegan Conservation District takes an ecosystem approach to conservation and protection. Conservation Districts are referred to as “gateways” in our local community. We provide linkages between land managers and a host of conservation service providers that include state, federal and local governments, conservation organizations, and Internet resources. The District continually scans the needs of our community, work in partnership with others involved in conservation to set local priorities, and develop action plans to solve natural resource problems. The delivery of these efforts by District allows citizens to manage their private lands for a cleaner, healthier Michigan. It allows the public a point of access in their communities when questions arise on how to manage natural resources. For more information on Michigan Conservation Districts visit the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts webpage at http://www.macd.org . More information about our current projects here!

Get to know our Board and Staff Members. A Conservation District is a local unit of state government with statutory powers and responsibilities to carry out programs of natural resources conservation and encourage wise land management. Our Staff team works with the Board of Directors, neighboring Conservation Districts A Conservation District is a local unit of state government with statutory powers and responsibilities to carry out programs of natural resources conservation and encourage wise land management. Our Staff team works with the Board of Directors, neighboring Conservation Districts, and partnership organizations to implement environmental conservation projects. Meet Our Staff Brian Talsma, Executive Director Brian.Talsma@macd.org (269) 454-1484 Brian Talsma joined the Allegan Conservation District in October of 2018. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Biology with a focus on Natural Resources. Before joining us, he worked as an intern at a black bear sanctuary in Minnesota, taught high school Biology in Detroit, and served as an AmeriCorps member at the Antrim Conservation District in Bellaire. He is an avid backpacker and canoeist who is excited about restoring and sustaining wild areas. Brian previously worked as our Watershed Technician and focused on reducing sediment and nutrients in our county's rivers by securing multiple funding opportunities and exciting conservation projects. As Executive Director he hopes to continue this effort and make our District the destination for conservation expertise in Allegan County. Kannon Hoffman, CTAP / MAEAP Technician Kannon.Hoffman@macd.org (269) 454-1486 Kannon Hoffman started with the Allegan Conservation District in November 2024 as the Allegan County CTAP/MAEAP Technician. Kannon graduated from Western Michigan University with a B.S. in Environmental Sustainability and Freshwater Management. Before joining the Allegan Conservation District, Kannon worked at Tillers International where he preserved essential homesteading/heritage skills and collaborated with small-scale farmers to improve food security issues. When not working, Kannon enjoys being outside and spending time in nature. Jason Cass, Conservation Technician Jason.Cass@macd.org (269) 454-1487 Jason Cass joined the Allegan Conservation District in August 2023 as a Conservation Technician. He graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a BA in Geography and Environmental Planning. Prior to joining the Allegan Conservation District, he worked with the Natural Resources Conservation Service with a focus on wildlife habitat creation and maintenance. Jason relocated to Michigan in 2020 after five years as a Conservation District Manager in Schenectady NY. He has also managed a commercial compost and recycling facility, volunteered at an environmental education center, and completed major infrastructure improvements at several nature preserves. Jason is dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting practices leading to a more sustainable future. When not working, Jason can be found outdoors hiking with his dog and exploring new places. Nathan Hilbrands, Watershed Technician Nathan.Hilbrands @macd.org (269) 454-1485 Nathan Hilbrands started with the Allegan Conservation District in February of 2024 as a Watershed Technician. Nathan graduated from Calvin University with a BS in Environmental Health and Conservation and a BA in Geography. Before joining the Allegan Conservation District, Nathan served as an AmeriCorps member with Michigan Natural Features Inventory surveying for rare species across the state and working on their heritage database. He has also helped out the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds with writing watershed climate resiliency reports, and studied dune characteristics and vegetation distribution. When not working, Nathan enjoys bird-watching, playing board games, and spending time in the woods. Ari Henson, Restoration Coordinator Ari.Henson@macd.org (269) 286-3736 Ari Henson started her work with the Allegan Conservation District in June 2025 as a Restoration Coordinator. Ari graduated from Grand Valley State University with a B.S., majoring in Wildlife Biology and minoring in Natural Resource Management. Prior to joining the Conservation District, Ari spent time working as a native plant landscaper, a GIS technician with Ducks Unlimited, and a Preserve Stewardship Associate with Legacy Land Conservancy, all on the east side of Michigan. Ari began her career as a restorationist while working with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan as a Stewardship Intern in 2022, and is very excited to be returning to the beautiful landscapes of west Michigan. Outside of work, Ari enjoys rock climbing, crocheting, gardening, and doing native plant walks wherever possible. Norveig Olson joined in the Allegan Conservation District in December of 2025 as a Conservation Educator. Norveig graduated from Northern Michigan University with a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management with a minor in Native American Studies. Before joining, she worked with the National Park Service in Michigan, New Mexico, and most recently Washington. Much of the work she's done has been to bring people and their homes back into the fold of nature. When not working, Norveig enjoys reading, board games, being outside, and can often be found catching insects. Norveig Olson, Education Coordinator Norveig.Olson@macd.org 269-478-0864 Alison Peterson-Loll, Administrative Specialist Alison.PetersonLoll@macd.org (269) 454-1488 Alison joined the Allegan Conservation District team in March of 2023 as the Administrative Specialist. She opened her first business at just 15 years old. Following college at Oklahoma City University then Columbia College, Alison traveled the United States working as a dancer and choreographer. While engaged as an artist, she was usually holding down multiple jobs. She has worked as an administrator for several prestigious organizations, including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at Vanderbilt University and a start-up IT company that was featured in Entrepreneur Magazine. When Alison’s mother became ill, she moved back to Allegan in 2011 to help with her care and her local business. She then opened her own arts academy in Allegan, but after 7 years she had to close its doors due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Alison is very excited to utilize her marketing and administrative experience to help the ACD grow and connect with its community. Alison grew up playing in what is now the Armintrout-Milbocker Preserve and hikes there to this day. When not working you can find Alison enjoying time in her dance / aerial silk studio at home. Meet Our Affiliate Staff Ben Savoie, District Forester B en.Savoie@macd.org (269) 908-4134 Ben Savoie earned a B.S. in Forestry from Michigan State University, specializing in Resource Management. He has spent many years in community organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, and has worked in the field for MSU and the USFS. He is passionate about community involvement in ecological restoration and improving public knowledge on conservation management. Patrick Gordon is a Produce Safety Technician with the Berrien County Conservation District in Southwest Michigan, working primarily with growers in Allegan, Berrien, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties. Patrick earned his Master of Natural Resources from Virginia Tech University and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a specialization in environmental analysis and land management from Western Michigan University. He is excited to work with farmers in South West Michigan to improve safety in the agricultural food chain. For more information regarding produce safety, visit www.miofps.org . Patrick Gordon, Produce Safety Technician P atrick.Gordon@macd.org (517) 331-0093 Meet Our Board of Directors Mark Ludwig Chairman Mark has worked with the Allegan Conservation District through several grants as a Conservationist and Technician. Today, Mark is a local farmer and an advocate for no-till farming practices. Board terms through 9/2027 Dale Hedberg Treasurer Dale Hedberg is a machine tool industry veteran with over 30 years’ experience. As an operations executive, his singular focus has been on vendor and customer relationships, end-to-end North American sales operations, product and parts strategy, product management, and the national service center. His career path in machine tools came as a natural outgrowth of a fascination with the mechanical and he is often found tinkering with his impressive collection of John Deere tractors and stationary engines, many of which are vintage. When time allows, Dale enjoys spending time at the 115-acre, MAEAP-certified farm that he shares with his wife and family, indulging his passion for natural conservation by reestablishing wetlands and restoring native plant species. Board term through 9/2027 Jaclyn Hulst HR Liaison Jaclyn Hulst lives and works in Allegan county. At home she enjoys hobby farming with the goal to create a food forest to provide fresh produce for her family and neighbors. She also has quite the collection of house plants! At work, Jaclyn is able to assist feeding the community through a non-profit food bank network. Board term through 9/2026 Troy Carns Board Member Originally from the Arkansas delta, Caleb grew up working on his family’s row-crop farm of around 1500 acres of corn, milo, wheat, soybeans, and rice. While working towards a degree in Ag. Technology at the University of Arkansas, Caleb accepted an internship at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, MI for the summer of 2017, returning after completing his degree that fall. Caleb’s time at Walters has given him a lot of experience with non-traditional agriculture, they raise over 30 different genera of ornamental plants and builds much of their own custom machinery. Board term through 9/2025 ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTION will be held on August 18,2026. If you are interested in joining our board please download the nomination petition (button located at bottom of every page on this website) & return to the ACD office by 6/18/26. Troy Carns served on the Allegan Public School Board for over 10 years. He also volunteered with the the local fire department for 10 years. As an Allegan County farmer Troy is always looking for new conservation practices to improve his operation. Board term through 9/2028 Caleb Smith Board Member State of Michigan Special Tributes Raecale Stull Lon Koops

Forestry Programs are designed to promote forest resource stewardship by providing support and resources to landowners with forested property. Through the two programs, we aim to reach landowners who are interested in learning to manage their forested areas, or who are interested in receiving benefits for continuing to Forestry Forestry Programs are designed to promote forest resource stewardship by providing support and resources to landowners with forested property. Through the two programs, we aim to reach landowners who are interested in learning to manage their forested areas, or who are interested in receiving benefits for continuing to manage their forests and woodlands. The Forestry Assistance Program can provide guidance on topics concerning: Forestry Assistance Program The Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) is designed to provide an initial professional contact with landowners who are interested in actively managing their forested property. Your FAP District Forester (Ben Savoie) helps citizens understand, plan, manage, protect, and utilize their forest resources through various avenues of information, education, and outreach. All services are at no cost to the landowner, and provide an excellent initial contact between conservation professionals and landowners. We aim to promote forest resource stewardship on private lands in local communities by introducing landowners to forest management and setting them up to achieve their management goals. - General forest management - Timber harvesting - Forest Ecology - Cost share programs - Tree and shrub planting - Forest health/disease - Improving & Creating Wildlife Habitat Qualified Forest Program The Qualified Forest Program (QFP) provides a property tax exemption for private landowners who actively manage their forests and woodlands for commercial harvest, wildlife habitat enhancement, and improvement of other non-forest resources. The goal of the program is to encourage sustainable forest management, and to fuel regional economies through timber harvest and individual tax savings. Eligibility Requirements: Parcels must be 20 acres or larger. Parcels from 20-39 acres must be a least 80 percent stocked with forest capable of producing wood products. Parcels from 40-640 acres must be at least 50 percent stocked with forest capable of producing wood products. A forest management plan is required for the parcels being enrolled. For questions, more information, or to get started with your land management project, contact our District Forester Ben Savoie District Forester Allegan, Barry, and Ottawa Counties Ben.Savoie@macd.org (269) 908-4134 Monthly Forestry Logs 2021 Reports January 2021 March 2021 April 2021 May 2021 June 2021 July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 2020 Reports March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 October 2020 November 2020 December 2020

Allegan County Watersheds. We all live in a watershed, learn what conservation practices you can implement in order to protect streams, rivers and lakes. Watershed Management Local Watersheds Wherever you live, you are living in a watershed. A watershed is a term used to describe all the elements in a water drainage system. Watersheds are typically named after the mainstem, or primary waterway within the drainage basin. Allegan County is composed of four main watersheds named after the five respective mainstem rivers – the Kalamazoo River, Black River, Gun River, Rabbit River and the Macatawa River. Visualizing a watershed While there is tremendous interconnectivity between watersheds, it is easiest to think of each watershed as its own separate drainage basin. Each watershed boundary is created by the topography of the area. When rain falls within a boundary of a watershed, the rainwater joins other elements of the watershed to become surface water, ground water, or an existing body of water like a river stream or lake. Think of the boundary of the watershed as the walls of a bathtub; all the water that falls into a bathtub will pool there, then flow towards the drain-everything outside of the bathtub will pool elsewhere. All the water that is collected in a watershed will later drain to a larger body of water, like Lake Michigan. Why is watershed management important? The water in your local watershed provides the water you drink, water crops with, swim in, and rely on. Preserving water is in the best interest of all life on earth. It is also important to realize that all forms of waste - whether it be the trash on the side of the road, the excess fertilizer from farms, or oil spills from our automobiles and farm equipment – all ends up in our watersheds. Have you noticed how rivers and streams will turn brown after a heavy rainfall or snowmelt? This chocolate-y water is due to sediment from poorly managed soils that erodes into our watersheds. Every landowner and farmer has the responsibility to protect the soil against erosion, and keep their land free of hazardous debris, and resilient against erosion. Photo courtesy of Lake County Stormwater Management Commission Map design by Ellie Anne Art What can you do to protect local watersheds? Learn how water moves through a watershed in the video to the right! Work with NRCS to create a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan to reduce runoff of fertilizers from your farm. Contact the Allegan Conservation District for participate in our grant-funded projects. Make sure you are disposing of waste in proper receptacles. Gather a group of friends to collect trash alongside roads, trails, rivers, and beaches. Check our Events Page for upcoming cleanup events! Clear debris (leaves, trash, sediment, etc.) away from storm drains in your neighborhood. Consider using alternatives to salt when trying to melt winter ice on sidewalks. What is Allegan Conservation District doing to protect watersheds? Allegan Conservation District, and many members of Allegan County believe protecting our watersheds by decreasing sediment and nutrient runoff should be a priority. There are many opportunities for farmers to join us in implementing conservation practices. See below for more information on how you can participate in any of the following projects. Kalamazoo River Phosphorus Reduction Project Gun River Sediment Reduction Volunteer Cleanup Events with the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council RCPP with Barry County for the Gun, Rabbit, and Thornapple Rivers

Vegetation Assurance Plan with Allegan Conservation District Vegetation Assurance Plan When the Allegan Conservation District assists with a Vegetation Assurance Plan (VAP), we will examine the construction site with the construction plan in hand to evaluate the impact it could have on wind erosion and other issues for your site and your neighbors. While it is frequently necessary to remove trees and other vegetation for legitimate reasons, our trained technicians may suggested alternative plans or simply the best way to implement the construction plan with the least impact possible. For example, we may identify lower value or even invasive species of trees. These species may be less harmful to remove in replace of what is proposed. We also provide guidance on how to protect trees and vegetation which are intended to be preserved, but may be lost if care is not taken to protect them during construction. Even experienced landscape and construction crews may not be fully aware of how delicate the dunes are and the measures needed to protect vegetation in these unique ecosystems. Conservation Districts are a cost competitive provider of VAP services and ACD makes every effort to provide prompt service to busy construction professionals. Typically we can be on site in a matter of days after an application is made. The Law and Critical Dune Vegetation Removal The Critical Dune Areas (CDA) program is administered under the authority of Part 353, Sand Dune Protection and Management, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended. The CDA program protects the extremely fragile areas of Michigan’s dunes by promoting the use of design and construction techniques to minimize impacts of uses on the dunes. As defined in part 353, “use” means “a developmental, silvicultural, or recreational activity done or caused to be done by a person that significantly alters the physical characteristic of a critical dune area or a contour change done or caused to be done by a person.” Permit Requirements A Michigan Department of Environmental Quality permit is required for any use within a CDA. Regulated activities include construction of buildings, septic systems, water wells, driveways, all excavation and filling, and vegetation removal within the CDAs. These areas are identified in the “Atlas of Critical Dune Areas” dated February 1989, and adopted by the Michigan Legislature under Part 353. Section 35313c requires that all applications for permits for the use of a CDA include written “Assurances that the cutting and removing of trees and other vegetation will be performed according to the “forestry management guidelines for Michigan” prepared by the society of American foresters in 1987 as revised in 2010 and may include a program to provide mitigation for the removal of trees or vegetation by providing assurances that the applicant will plant on the site more trees and other vegetation than were removed by the proposed use.” On August 7, 2012 revisions to Part 353 were signed into law. While a vegetation removal assurance is still required to receive a permit, landowners are no longer required to utilize the local Conservation District to provide it. However, the Allegan Conservation District will continue to offer this service, at a reasonable fee, to our valued critical dune landowners. The Permitting Process Before submitting your permit application to the MDEQ, you must first complete the following: 1. Soil Erosion Permit from the Allegan County Health Department 2. Septic system permit (if applicable) from the Allegan County Health Department 3. Vegetation Removal Assurance. The Conservation District can be hired to complete this requirement ( download application ).