Environment

• The Environmental Stewardship Division (ESD) administers a wide variety of programs which provide for a safe and healthy environment, a viable natural resource base and a strong agricultural and forestry economy. ESD cooperates with, local, state, and federal programs and private landowners to strengthen the economic viability of the food, fiber, and agriculture industry, and help provide profitable economic opportunities for businesses on working lands.

• Conservation Programs

  

  Michigan's conservation programs utilize local, state, federal, and private sector resources to deliver programming designed to solve today's agricultural and natural resource problems.

  Farmland Preservation

  

  The Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program or Public Act 116 (PA 116) Program preserves farmland from being developed for non-agricultural uses. 

  Forestry

  

  The Forestry Programs are designed to help family forest owners manage their forests in an economically beneficial and environmentally sound manner.

  Intercountry Drains

  

  County and intercounty drains play a key role in the development of agriculture, roads and highways, residential, and commercial properties by removing excess soil moisture, reducing flood impacts, and improving public health.

• Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)

  

  MAEAP brings together training, risk assessment, technical assistance, conservation practice support, engineering, cost-share, and agency verification in an industry lead partnership dedicated to pollution prevention.

  Migrant Labor Housing

  

  The Migrant Labor Housing is designed to ensure the safety of housing occupied by five or more migrant agricultural workers.

• Right to Farm

  

  The Michigan Right to Farm Act provides broad definitions of a farm, its operations and products as well as a process for the development and adoption of Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs).