Getting more conservation on the ground by improving conservation program and initiative implementation and delivery to michigan LAN downers

The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded $1,261,095 to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development through a Cooperative Agreement under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902) effective September 30, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This award supports conservation technical assistance delivery to Michigan landowners by improving the implementation and delivery of conservation programs and initiatives through Michigan's network of conservation districts. The prime recipient distributes sub-awards to 17 Michigan conservation districts, including Genesee, Clinton, Kent County, Bluewater, St. Joseph County, Chippewa Luce Mackinac, Iron Baraga, Mason-Lake, Mecosta, Huron, Jackson County, Delta, Oceana, Midland, and Missaukee conservation districts, among others. These districts provide one-on-one conservation planning, technical assistance, and educational outreach to help Michigan citizens understand, plan, manage, protect, and utilize their natural resources through sustainable land management and conservation best practices.

The sub-awardees deliver localized conservation services including soil and water conservation technical assistance, conservation practice implementation support, watershed assessment and management, invasive species management, agricultural best management practices, and environmental education programs. By routing federal funding through local conservation districts with established relationships and technical expertise in their respective counties and regions, this cooperative agreement structure ensures that conservation assistance reaches private landowners and agricultural producers effectively while aligning implementation efforts with state and federal conservation priorities and Farm Bill objectives.