Conservation Needs Assessment: WCCD wants your input
submitted by Jill Lada, Washtenaw County Conservation District
Every five years, the Washtenaw County Conservation District surveys Washtenaw County residents about their conservation concerns to guide our work. Responses help us focus resources on the conservation issues that matter most to residents. Residents may take the survey and read past reports at washtenawcd.org/survey. Paper copies can be mailed by request by calling the office at 734-302-8715. Responses will be accepted until June 15.
What is the Washtenaw County Conservation District?
On April 27, 1935, the Soil Conservation Act was passed as the Dust Bowl raged across the Great Plains. This led to the creation of the Soil Conservation Service, now NRCS. As president, in 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt prioritized soil and water resource conservation. The USDA joined forces with the Civil Works Administration to extend conservation assistance to farmers. Today there are more than 3,000 conservation districts across the nation.
The Washtenaw County Conservation District was established in 1948. Its mission is to assist residents and landowners with the conservation, management, and wise use of natural resources. Our programs include countywide conservation needs assessments, conservation resource distributions, conservation education, and one-on-one technical assistance for residential and agricultural land.
The Washtenaw County area currently has six primary stakeholder groups with four top resource concerns. First, is the preservation of natural areas and farmland, while also allowing for growth through zoning. Next is the management of invasive species, pollution, and disease from fragmentation or lack of management. Third is the management and protection of surface and groundwater quality. Finally, there is education regarding solid waste and its reduction, reuse, and recycling; along with composting, microplastics in soil, water, and food.
To achieve these goals, we are using the strategies of partnering to protect land, increase community resources, and develop educational opportunities. We deliver these services based on either residential or argi-based focuses.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login