Programs & Projects

The Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District is involved in a number of programs and services.  The programs and projects include:

Tree Sale

The Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District (CEMCD) holds a tree sale every April.  The tree sale is important to the future of our Conservation District.  Click here for more information.

Farm Bill Program Assistance

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District partner together to bring a number of conservation programs to landowners in our district.  Click here for more information.

Envirothon

Michigan Envirothon, a team based, environmental education competition for high school students focused on using the outdoors as a classroom.  CEMCD sponsors an Envirothon team from Sault Ste. Marie High School.  Click here for more information.

Operation Windbreak

"Operation Windbreak" began in 1998 and focused primarily on farmstead windbreaks. The project has been expanded to establish windbreaks on  major roads in the area. They are needed to improve driving conditions in winter weather and increase highway safety.  Click here for more information.

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control

The Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District (CEMCD) is the designated County Enforcement Agency for Part 91.  According to Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 1994 Public Act 451, as Amended, (Rule 323.1704), a land owner or designated agent who contracts for, allows or engages in an earth change in this state, which disturbs 1 or more acres of land or which is within 500 feet of the water’s edge of a water body shall obtain a permit from the appropriate enforcing agency before commencing an earth change, unless exempted in R 323.1705.  Click here for more information.

Groundwater Stewardship

The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP) is a cooperative effort designed to reduce the risks of groundwater contamination associated with the use of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers.  Click here for more information.

Watershed Assessment, Planning and Implementation

• Les Cheneaux Watershed Planning Study
• Les Cheneaux Watershed Implementation Grant
• Sault Ste. Marie Watershed Planning Study
• St. Mary's River Rapid Watershed Assessment
• Eastern Upper Peninsula Rapid Watershed Assessment
• Munuscong River Watershed Planning Study 

Northern Wild Plant and Seed Cooperative

The Northern Wild Plant and Seed Cooperative is a grassroots group in the Eastern Upper Peninsula concerned about our native species.  Click here for more information.

Emerald Ash Borer Program

For the past few years, the Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District has been working with the Michigan Department of Agriculture to help control the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.  Click here for more information.

Water Guardians

The Water Guardian Program is a volunteer program for seniors and youth involving:

• Education on water quality
• Hands on water testing
• Protecting surface water and groundwater
• Community directed and applied