What is a Conservation District?

Conservation Districts are “unique” local units of State Government that utilize state, federal and private sector resources to solve today’s conservation problems. The guiding philosophy of all Conservation Districts is that decisions on conservation issues should be made at the local level, by local people, with technical assistance provided by government.

The locally elected five-member board of directors makes all decisions regarding the District’s programs and activities. The directors hire qualified staff to conduct and carry out the programs and activities that they have approved. These programs provide technical help, information, and awareness to assist people in the District to properly manage their natural resources. In Michigan, there are 80 Conservation Districts, which are generally organized along county boundaries.

What is the purpose of Conservation Districts?

Created to serve as stewards of natural resources, Michigan’s Conservation Districts take an ecosystem approach to conservation and protection. Conservation Districts are referred to as “gateways” in their local communities. They provide linkages between land managers and a host of conservation service providers that include state, federal and local governments, conservation organizations, and Internet resources. Conservation Districts continually scan the needs of their local communities, 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 Conservation Districts 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.

Are There Conservation District in States Other than Michigan?

Yes. More than 3,000 locally governed Conservation Districts are operating throughout the United States.

How Are Conservation Districts Funded?

District funding sources include state appropriations, county and other local governmental appropriations, federal and state grants, and other locally initiated and conducted fund raising activities. The Barry Conservation District’s primary funding source are the bi-annual tree sales, which provide the bulk of the operating income of the District. State appropriations, grants and county appropriations complete the operating budget, which allows the District to conduct programs focused on solving resource issues and educating land users on how to better care for our natural resources.