Search Results

Learn more about priority natural resource concerns, and what practices and activities you can implement to protect these resources. Conservation Dictionary Conservation Practices There are a variety of conservation practices farmers and landowners can implement. Depending on the land usage and production of commodities, conservation practices can be applied to best suit the needs of the land, farm, and decision makers. ACD will work with you to best fit your land goals. Habitat Health Humans live in tandem with local wildlife. Wildlife relies on the same land humans use for recreation, farming, commuting and living. Learn more about the impact humans have on wildlife, and best practices to strengthen this relationship. Water Quality & Watershed Management Whether you live in an urban city or a rural township, you live in a watershed. The quality of the water we drink, use to irrigate our farms, and the water used as wildlife habitat is directly affected by how we manage and respect local watersheds. Protecting watersheds is a priority. Soil Health Soil is alive. It is home to billions of microorganisms, bacteria, invertebrates, plants and animals. The healthier the soil, the healthier crop production, plants, air, water and livelihoods will be. Learn more about various soil properties, and how we can work to protect western Michigan soils. Native and Invasive Species Michigan and Allegan County are homes to many plant, animal, and invertebrate species. Some of these species play vital roles in ecosystems, but others can wreak havoc on farms and habitats. Learn more about how to identify native and invasive species, and what to keep an eye out for. Acti vities Do you want to participate in conservation efforts but aren't sure where to start? Explore here for ideas on how you can become an environmental steward in your own backyard, or on the ground beneath your feet. These age appropriate activities allow opportunities for the whole family to get involved! Welcome to the Conservation Dictionary. Allegan Conservation District has a variety of conservation priorities and goals. Click on each priority to explore the topics and to learn more.

How to spot invasive species, and why to plant native species on your land. Native and Invasive Plants Native Plants Put simply, native plants are plant species that have grown naturally in a region without first being introduced by humans. Each native plant plays an important role in local ecosystems because they live in symbiosis with other native plant and wildlife species. Additionally, native plants are adapted to live in certain climates and soil conditions, thus, increasing their resiliency in those conditions. Native plant species are often threatened by urbanization, development projects, and by the introduction of invasive species. Only a few hundred years ago, what are now backyards, parking lots, shopping centers and neighborhoods used to be native forests, wetlands, prairies, and other thriving ecosystems. In part, colonization has destroyed entire ecosystems and has caused certain species to become extinct. Being said, humans have the opportunity to reintroduce native species and establish thriving ecosystems within a modern context. There are many ways to reintroduce native plant species. Homeowners can plant native species in their gardens, farmers and landowners can plant pollinator habitats, local officials can build green infrastructure, and decision makers can work with local conservation districts to learn which plant species are most beneficial in specific environments. The benefits of planting native plants are endless, but here are a few examples: Native species are well-adapted to local conditions, thus they do not require much maintenance. Native plants establish strong root systems. This maintains a healthy soil structure, absorbs excess surface water, and helps reduce nutrient runoff. Native plants are beautiful to look at. They can add value to a property. Spaces planted with native plants are excellent pollinator habitats. These pollinators benefit our local agriculture systems. Reestablish habitat for beneficial wildlife. Native Plant Riparian Buffer - Jim Brueck, Owner Native Lakescapes, LLC Click below for more information on native plant resources: 1) Current news and information regarding native plants and projects 2) Database of Michigan Native Plants - categorized by region 3) Local Producers and Nurseries with Native Plants Examples of Common Native Species Invasive Plants An invasive species is 1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health(1) . Invasive species establish easily in existing ecosystems and then outcompete native species. The establishment of invasive species can destroy wildlife habitat, community infrastructure, outdoor recreation and tourism, agricultural yields and affect sensitive ecosystem balances. Many invasive species were originally brought purposefully into an environment. However, after establishment, invasive species are often spread accidentally, making treatment and removal of invasive plants difficult. Did you know, invasive species cost the United States more than $120 billion in damages per year. (2) What can you do to help stop the spread of invasive species? Early identification and detection of invasive species is the best management plan. Tackling invasive species is a community effort. Check out these resources for help identifying invasive plants: 1) An electronic guide for invasive plant identification 2) Plant Identification Texts - download the free pdf versions, or order a hard copy. What is Allegan Conservation District doing about invasive species? The Allegan Conservation District now offers treatment services for invasive species through our Ecological Strike Team! These experts are available to: Help landowners identify and treat invasive plants on their land. Team up with local agencies of government to treat invasive plants on public land. Provide workshops for the general public to help inform them of the concerns regarding invasive plants, how to properly identify invasive plants, the tools available to the public for the management of invasive plants, and related topics. Reach out to nurseries, landscapers, and others in the horticultural industry to educate them on the concerns regarding invasive plant species. Invasive Species Management Page Sources: (1) Presidential Executive Order 13112 (February 1999) (2) Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the United States Examples of Common Invasive Plants

Volunteer opportunities! Contact your Allegan Conservation District at Allegan.Admin@macd.org or (269) 941-6165. Community Science Community Science is a research approach that involves community members in scientific research, data collection, and analysis, often to address issues relevant to their communities. Volunteers needed! Contact your Allegan Conservation District to get involved: Allegan.Admin@macd.org / (269) 466.1140 Vernal Pool Patrol Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that fill with water from snowmelt and rain in the spring and dry up in the summer heat. They are crucial for amphibian breeding, provide habitat for a variety of species, and currently fall between the cracks of wetlands protection in Michigan. The Vernal Pool Patrol is a program through Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) and the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership that hopes to enhance our knowledge and conservation of vernal pools in the state. The Vernal Pool Patrol is built on volunteer data collection. Volunteers visit a pool 2-3 times throughout the year, collect data, and submit the data to their local program coordinator or MNFI. VPP Website The 2026 Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol Virtual Training Series registration is open! If you want to get involved, check the VPP website for registering for the webinars and steps to get involved. Vernal Pool Patrol volunteers Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) was founded in 2003 to provide an opportunity for Michigan residents to contribute to water quality monitoring. The Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP) allows residents to collect water quality data on the lake that they live on. Data collected through CLMP includes Chlorophyll content, phosphorus, clarity, temperature, and more. That data can be used to monitor water quality and inform conservation decision making. For more information, check the MiCorps website and reach out to the Allegan County Program Coordinator: Nathan.Hilbrands@macd.org MiCorps Enrollment Winter Salt Watch Register for MI Salt Week Here As a state, Michigan is notorious for its use of road salts during the winter months. While road salt is an important tool for keeping our roads clear of snow and ice, it can have detrimental effects to our freshwater ecosystems, roadside vegetation, road infrastructure, and human health. The study of how road salt is affecting freshwater ecosystems and overall water quality appears to be a new subject of interest. Many areas in the U.S. have not been monitoring the concentrations of road salts in local waterways. Due to this lack of data, and a general misunderstanding of how road salts are affecting waterways, many municipalities do not have regulations and guidance for how to sustainably use road salts. To combat this, and to gain a better understanding of road salt usage in Allegan County, the Allegan Conservation District has partnered with the Isaak Walton League of America (IWLA). Since 2017, the IWLA has been providing volunteers with sample kits to monitor freshwater rivers and streams across the country. Through this community-science based project, the IWLA has collected and managed a nationwide database for road salt concentrations. This year, the Allegan Conservation District is recruiting volunteers to collect water samples and monitor road salt concentrations in the Kalamazoo and Rabbit Rivers. The Isaak Walton League provides free test kits to volunteers. Using a test kit, this volunteer has recorded chloride levels of 49 ppm(mg/L). Chloride can start harming freshwater ecosystems at 100 ppm(mg/L). Road Salt Volunteers collect water sample near Bridge Road in Allegan. Photo courtesy of Raecale Stull. The Allegan Conservation District wants to gain a better understanding of how the larger towns in Allegan County are using road salts, what areas of the rivers have the highest chloride concentrations, and if natural areas (like the Allegan State Game Area), are being effected by road salt. To test this, volunteers are collecting water samples upstream and downstream of large towns and the Allegan State Game Area in Allegan County. Check out the map below to see all 14 sampling locations. Volunteers are choosing which sample site(s) they would like to monitor, and are being asked to collect monthly samples. Volunteers may collect the samples on their own schedule. Sampling Locations Don't be Salty, be a Volunteer! Sign up to volunteer at one or more of our sampling sites! We are asking that volunteers commit to collecting water samples once a month, for at least three months. Volunteers may choose if they would like to collect samples from December-February, March-May, June-August, or September-November. Contact Nathan.Hilbrand@macd.org to sign up as a volunteer. Winter Salt Watch Articles "Winter Salt Watch" - Isaak Walton League of America "For healthier lakes, rivers, and drinking water, hold the salt" - C&EN "Winter is Coming! And with it, tons of salt on our roads" - U.S. EPA "Road salt threatens Michigan lakes and rivers. Can an alternative take hold?" - Great Lakes Now

Resources on Michigan Native Plant and Tree Identification. TREE AND PLANT IDENTIFICATION Here in the office we can help you identify trees and plants that are located on your property. If you bring in a sample or a picture we can help you out. Useful Links Michigan DNR Tree Identification Guide Michigan Plant & Weed Identification Michigan Natural Features Inventory Books & Educational Materials

Allegan Conservation District has many grant-funded opportunities for landowners and farmers within the county. Learn more here. 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. Click the arrow to learn more, and to sign up as a volunteer! Continue Swan Lake Watershed Support Project The Swan Lake Watershed comprises the headwaters of Swan Creek in southern Allegan County, in southwest Michigan. Swan Creek flows into the Kalamazoo River just downstream of the Lake Allegan impoundment. The watershed is defined as the catchment of Swan Lake, and includes parts of Cheshire, Trowbridge, and Valley Townships in Allegan County, and Bloomingdale Township in Van Buren County. The Swan Lake catchment is 14,417 acres, and includes Duck Lake, Eagle Lake, Muskrat Lake, and Schermerhorn Lake. Continue Community Science Community Science is a research approach that involves community members in scientific research, data collection, and analysis, often to address issues relevant to their communities Continue Gun River Watershed Implementation Attention Gun River Watershed farmers! A District program is underway to provide agricultural producers with significant financial incentive payments for adopting new soil health/regenerative/sustainable practices on their fields. Cost share is focused on no-till planting and the use of cover crops. Contact Jason for more information and eligibility requirements. Jason.Cass@macd.org Continue Completed Projects 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. Read more to see if your fields fall into the project area! Photo by Harrison Fitts 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. 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.

Tool Lending Library The ACD Tool Lending Library is designed to make various tools accessible to local producers and landowners for no charge. The tools in the rental program are designed for conservation purposes. Contact our office to make your reservation . Please include the requested pick-up date and tool(s). Allegan.Admin@macd.org / (269) 466-1140 ~Pick-up location: 2412 Taft Road, Allegan ~Pick-up time options: Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm Maxim Sod Kicker 12 in. Blade Sod Cutter A manual, eco-friendly tool used to cut and remove 12-inch wide strips of grass and roots for landscaping projects. It is powered by a kicking/pushing motion to easily create new garden beds, install edging, or remove turf without gas or oil. Crescent 12 in. SAE Measuring Wheel This tool is designed for measuring long distances up to 9,999 feet, 11 inches on various terrains, including concrete, dirt, and uneven surfaces. It is used for quick, accurate, and one-person measurements in landscaping, construction, fencing, utility work, and property site surveys. VEVOR Fence Post Driver with Handles 4.11 in. Inner Diameter T-Post Pole Pounder 22lbs This heavy-duty manual tool designed for driving T-posts, U-channel posts, sign poles, and wooden stakes into the ground. It is used to quickly and securely install fences on farms, ranches, or for road and riverbank construction. Tidoin 6 in. Red T Composite Post Puller Fence Post Puller for Round Fence Posts This is a specialized tool designed to easily remove T-posts, round fence posts, stakes, and small stumps from the ground. It features a high-leverage design and a durable, corrosion-resistant steel construction, making it ideal for agricultural, residential, and construction fencing projects. Uprooter Weed Wrench This professional grade device is a tool used to clear the land of woody plants without troublesome stumps left behind from cutting. Simply place the jaws of the Uprooter around the stem of the plant and pull the lever for easy removal. Grampa's Weeder - The Original Stand Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handle Designed in 1913 this stand-up tool is used to remove weeds, particularly dandelions, thistles, and taprooted weeds, without bending, kneeling, or using chemicals. It features a 45-inch long bamboo or steel handle and a 4-claw steel head to pull weeds, including the roots, from lawns and gardens. *Bamboo and steel handles are both available. DEWALT 10.75 in. Fencing Pliers 6-in-1 multi-tool designed for installing, maintaining, and repairing wire fencing. They are used for cutting, stretching, and splicing wire, driving or pulling staples, and, through an integrated hammer face, performing, light, on-the-spot repairs. Jameson Landscape Double Pulley Pruner & Pole Saw Package with two 6 ft. poles A versatile, 12-foot reach kit used by homeowners and landscapers for trimming and pruning tree branches up to 1-3/4 inches in diameter. It features interchangeable, lightweight, non-conductive fiberglass poles, a 13-inch Tri-Cut saw blade, and a double-pulley pruner to maximize cutting leverage.

Farmers and landowners alike can implement Best Manangement Practices to help conserve natural resources. These agricultural practices can often be implemented through a cost-share program. Conservation Practices Speak to any of the staff members from Allegan Conservation District, NRCS, or MAEAP to learn more about how some (or all) of these conservation practices can be applied on your farm or land. Cost Sharing Programs are available to help offset the cost of implementing these practices. Conservation Tillage Photo Courtesy of Brian Talsma Conservation Tillage Managing the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round. Reduced Till and No-Till limits soil-disturbing activities. This has a variety of benefits including: Reduce sheet and rill erosion Reduce wind erosion Improve soil organic matter content Save money and time on fuel and energy use Increase plant-available moisture Provide vital wildlife habitat Reduces release of carbon (a major greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere Project Name Photo Courtesy of MorningAgClips Cover Crops A practice where farmers plant right after harvesting their cash crop for the growing season. The goal of cover cropping is not to produce a high yield, but to hold the soil in place and recycle nutrients to be used for the following growing season. Other benefits of cover crops include: Reduce erosion from wind and water Increase soil organic matter content Capture and recycle or redistribute nutrients in the soil profile Promote biological nitrogen fixation and reduce energy use Increase biodiversity Suppress weeds Manage soil structure Minimize and reduce soil compaction Reduce pest pressure Encourage Pollination Chemical and Waste Handling Facilities These facilities has an impervious floor surface, such as concrete, to provide an environmentally safe area for the handling of on-farm agrichemicals and waste. Chemicals such as fertilizer, pesticide and fuels should all be stored in their appropriate handling facilities. Waste water, manure, and other biological hazards should also be stored and disposed of properly. Above Ground Fueling Waste Storage Facilities Chemical Storage Building Filter and Buffer Strips Filter strips, also known as buffer strips, are a practice used to protect waterways by catching sediment and other pollutants before they enter the water. A filter strip is a band of vegetation at least 20 feet wide and can be used in many locations for different goals, some examples include: On fields along streams, ponds, lakes, and drainageways At the lower edge of crop fields or in conjunction with other conservation practices As part of a riparian forest buffer system Where there is sheet or uniform shallow flow (avoid concentrated flow) As part of an agricultural waste management system When they can be installed on the approximate contour On slopes less than 10 percent Where conservation practices reduce soil losses to an acceptable level Filter strips are not only great for their ability to slow runoff and prevent pollutants from entering the water, they can also serve as habitat for wildlife and add to farm aesthetics. Grassed Waterways A grassed waterway is a shaped, sloped channel that carries surface water at a slow pace to a stable outlet. This practice helps prevent erosion by conveying water from terraces, diversions, and water concentrated areas. The channels are planted with strongly rooted grasses to slow the flow of water, increase uptake of water back into the soil, and to filter pollutants and sediment from the water before reaching larger water bodies. High Tunnels A seasonal polyethylene covered structure is used to cover crops to extend the growing season in an environmentally safe manner. Other benefits of a seasonal high tunnel include: Improve plant quality Improve soil quality Improve water quality from reduced nutrient and pesticide transport Improve air quality from reduced transportation inputs More control over growing environment Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan This plan is unique to livestock operations. To learn how to better deal with disposal of organic by-products, livestock manure, and to minimize erosion, a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is created. A CNMP starts with a comprehensive assessment of current site conditions and is followed by developing alternatives practices with NRCS, MAEAP or Allegan Conservation District. Possible outcomes are discussions of structural alternatives to address resource concerns. Cost share opportunities exist to help with the implementation of the suggested practices for your specific site. Pollinator Gardens Pollinator Gardens can be added to any farming system. While pollinator gardens serve the obvious purpose of creating habitats for critters who pollinate our crops, and native plant species they can also serve as an additional source of income (cut flowers), and add aesthetic value to a property. Additional benefits include: Natural pest management Filter surface water of pollutants and sediment Encourage the migration of native invertebrates. Photo Courtesy of Xerces / Karin Jokela Stream Crossings A stabilized area or structure constructed across a stream to provide a travel way for people, livestock, equipment, or vehicles. Provide access to another land unit Improve water quality by reducing sediment, nutrient, organic, and inorganic loading of the stream. Reduce streambank and streambed erosion Two Stage Ditches Two Stage Ditches are another water management plan to be implemented on a property where water erosion is a concern. In essence, two stage ditches create a stable floodplain that allows for excess water during and after a rainstorm to flow slowly to an outlet. Two stage ditches can be planted with grasses to help filter sediment and pollution before surface water enters larger bodies of water. Photo Courtesy of Blanchard River Demonstration Farms Network Photo Courtesy of USDA National Agroforestry Center Windbreaks Windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs strategically planted to block or reduce the force of wind. When planted around a farm, windbreaks can protect sensitive crops, soils, and make the area more comfortable for livestock and farm staff. Other benefits include: Increased crop yield Decreased wind erosion Blocks drift of unwanted pesticides and fertilizer Protects pollinators Promotes an even spread of snow across field during winter months Cover Crops Filter & Buffer Strips

Swan Lake Watershed Management Plan SLWMP Figures SLWMP Appendices 1/23/2025 Steering Committee Meeting 10/24/2024 Steering Committee Meeting 7/25/2024 Steering Committee Meeting 4/29/2024 Steering Committee Meeting Notes from Restorative Lake Sciences

The Allegan Conservation District always needs your help. Please click the mailing list link to sign up for volunteer opportunities. If you would like to donate money please visit our online store. Mailing List Online Store Volunteers A special thanks to our volunteers. Whether it is pulling weeds at the Allegan Pollinator Garden or helping hand out orders at a sale they are a special kind of conservationist. A BIG thank you to Reliable, Strong, Financially Secure GreenStone Farm Credit Services is one of America’s largest rural lenders. Headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, GreenStone is the country's seventh largest association in the Farm Credit System. GreenStone owns and manages $14 billion in assets and serves over 28,000 members with 35 branches throughout Michigan and northeast Wisconsin. GreenStone provides financial services to the agricultural industry - including short, intermediate and long-term loans, equipment and building leases, life insurance, crop insurance, accounting and tax services. GreenStone also specializes in residential and country home loans, and provides lending products for the purchase, improvement, construction or refinance of residences along with financing future home sites and recreational land.

Whether you're a farmer, landowner, or someone who is interested in learning or getting involved in conservation, we have resources for you.  RESOURCES We are dedicated to helping all land users wisely manage the natural resources of Allegan County. Part of this work is providing linkages between land managers and a host of conservation service providers that include state, federal and local governments, conservation organizations, and Internet resources. Whether you're a farmer, landowner, or someone who is interested in learning or getting involved in conservation, we have resources for you. FARMER Interested in implementing conservation practices, but not sure where to start? We're here to help. See some of the services we offer to get you started. LEARN MORE LANDOWNER Whether residential or on acreage, urban or rural, we are a resource for you. The Conservation District offers both technical and some cost sharing assistance for property owners in Allegan County. LEARN MORE LEARN Browse our Conservation Dictionary to find information on conservation practices, water quality, native and invasive species, and more. LEARN MORE GET INVOLVED Check out upcoming Board meetings, volunteer opportunities, and learning events. LEARN MORE

Educational materials and activities to become involved in environmental conservation. Activities Conservation efforts should be, and can be, accessible for people of all backgrounds, cultures and ages. Recognizing that we all play a role in protecting natural resources can have a huge impact. Learning how to be an environmental steward, and implementing daily conservation practices can be as simple as you make it to be. To encourage interest in conservation and the development of positive habits, we've compiled a list of activities for the everyone to try! Outdoor Discovery Center There are many local organizations that offer experiential learning opportunities. Allegan Conservation District partners with the Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland to provide educational programming and resources. Below, you will find a few of their suggested activities! Visit their website for further programming opportunities. Backyard Challenges Beneath My Feet Small World Big Changes Backyard How-To DNR Online Learning Center In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and schools transitioning to online learning, the DNR has created online resources for teachers, students, and parents. Follow their websites for Nature at Home and Nature at School . Whether your kiddo is taking classes in-person or online, both websites are resources for educational materials, lesson plans, and activities. Michigan Green Schools Started in 2006, Michigan Green Schools is a non-profit 501(c)3 agency dedicated to assisting all Michigan schools – public and private – achieve environmental goals which include protecting the air, land, water and animals of our state along with world outreach through good ecological practices and the teaching of educational stewardship of students pre-kindergarten through senior high school. Schools and their students voluntarily choose to participate in the program which focuses on real-world implementation of environmental programs in the classroom. Schools receive points for projects such as setting up a school recycling program, implementing a school energy saving program, planting a garden with native Michigan plant species, participating in an Earth Day event, and in many cases being creative and coming up with their own ways to improve and protect their local natural resources. If your school is interested in participating or learning more, please contact ACD for more information! Allegan.Admin@macd.org Conservation for the whole family Keep an eye out on our Events Page to participate in upcoming events! Watch the videos below for more ideas on conservation activities you can try at home. For questions, or more information on specific projects, don't hesitate to call our office! Do-it-Yourself Projects Worm Composting Container Gardens Rain Gardens Wildlife Friendly Backyards Clear Neighborhood Storm Drains DIY Rain Barrel

MAEAP teaches farmers how to identify and prevent environmental risks and comply with state and federal environmental regulations. Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program About MAEAP The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks. When you see signs along the road that read “This Farm is Environmentally Verified” it means that the landowner has voluntarily taken every step required to meet state and federal environmental regulations and Michigan Right to Farm guidelines. MAEAP teaches farmers how to identify and prevent environmental risks and comply with state and federal environmental regulations. Farmers who successfully complete the phases of a MAEAP system are rewarded by becoming verified in that system, gaining regulatory protections, and earning preferred consideration for technical assistance and cost sharing. Depending on land usage and what resources are available on their property, farmers can become verified in the following systems: Farmstead System Continue Livestock System Continue Cropping System Continue Forest Wetlands & Habitat System Continue In 2020 alone, MAEAP Verified Farms in Allegan County had remarkable participation. Farmers were able to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, increase levels of dissolved oxygen in water bodies, improve crop yields, protect soil health, and receive countless other benefits for their land and surrounding areas. Together, farms in Allegan County were able to reach the following environmental outcomes: 10,528 279 878 2,850 2,945 51 5,494 2 8,011 Acres included in a nutrient plan or CNMP Acres of buffer/filter strips Acres of cover crops Acres of conservation tillage Acres of no-till, zone till, or grass cover Number of gullies stabilized Feet of livestock exclusion Size of silage pad (acres) Acres of Pest Management Plans Each star represents a MAEAP verified farm in Allegan County. Visit the MAEAP website Continue To get enrolled in the MAEAP program, or to learn more about the conservation practices you can implement on your land, contact your local MAEAP Technician. MAEAP was developed by a coalition of agriculture producers, commodity groups, state and federal agencies, and conservation and environmental groups. While MDARD is the verifying agency, MAEAP is not a government or regulatory program but rather a partnership effort.