Gov Whitmer Designates July 17 Michigan Conservation District Day

Proclamation celebrates 88th anniversary of key conservation law

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed July 17 as Conservation District Day to honor the hard work and dedication of the conservation districts that provide local natural resource management assistance to Michiganders.  

"Conservation districts have played an important role in protecting Michigan's natural resources since the Great Depression,"  said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring.  "From addressing local soil health and water quality challenges to supporting statewide food and agriculture programs, conservation districts are the boots on the ground that help ensure a healthy environment for present and future Michiganders."

Conservation District Day commemorates the 88th anniversary of Public Act 297 of 1937, which established Michigan s first Soil Conservation Districts. That law was enacted in response to the Dust Bowl, a period of severe drought and soil erosion that devastated U.S. agriculture in the 1930s.

Since 1937, the scope and responsibility of Michigan's conservation districts have grown far beyond their original focus of preventing agricultural soil erosion. Today, the districts work with Michigan landowners to improve soil health, water quality, climate resiliency and natural resource management.

Conservation districts are local units of government that contribute to statewide initiatives including: 

• The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program, which provides technical assistance to farmers to reduce erosion and runoff and protect our waterways;  

• The Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative, which provides conservation and engineering assistance to landowners;  

• The Forestry Assistance Program, which helps family forest owners manage their woodlots; and 

• The Michigan Produce Safety Program, which works with growers to ensure the wellness of their customers. 

• The Regenerative Agriculture Program, which works with growers to implement sustainable farming methods tailored to their needs and improve their soil health.   

To learn more about Michigan conservation districts and their programs and services, visit www.macd.org.  

View Governor Whitmer's Conservation District Day proclamation

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