Newaygo Conservation District

Michigan Agricultural Environmental

Assurance Program

The Newaygo Conservation District (NCD) is pleased to announce the hiring of our newest Water Stewardship Technician, Lucas (Luke) Cotton. Luke comes to NCD with a family background in farming as well as education. Luke is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Natural Resources Management.

Please contact Luke at the Newaygo Conservation District Office (231) 924-2420 x 114 or cell phone (231) 349-4455 for questions regarding groundwater resources, *A*Syst programs, etc.

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ANNOUNCING - New Website!

We are happy to provide information regarding a new website that has been created to inform and educate the public regarding the wonderful water resources that we have in Michigan. The website is: www.miwaterstewardship.org This website has a youth corner that includes water facts, fun and games. The website also provides Resources for Educators and can be used by individuals that are not Educators.

Please take a minute and see what a great resource is available and take the test to see "How Green Are You".

2010 Achievements:

Provided education to over 250 local students
Screened 260 local water wells for 2,4-D and Nitrates free of charge
Performed 110 Land Determinations through a cooperative work agreement with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Performed 68 on Farm Risk Reductions to protect local ground and surface water
Provided technical assistance to over 17 local farms
Participated in the collection of data for the Michigan Groundwater Monitoring Program implemented by the Michigan Department of Agriculture
Provided technical assistance to 23 local producers

(The Michigan Water Stewardship Program (MWSP) provides education, technical, and financial assistance to agricultural producers to reduce risks to groundwater and surface water. Purchases of nitrogen fertilizer and pesticides fund the program.)

Programs Offered:

Farm*A*Syst

Evaluates your farmstead using a series of risk assessment questions. Also assures a farms compliance with Michigan farming laws and helps provide groundwater and surface water protection.

Crop*A*Syst

Focuses on environmental issues related to your field practices. Specialized risk assessment for nurseries, greenhouse, row crops, vegetables, Christmas trees, orchards and more!

Livestock*A*Syst

Assessment tool designed to address environmental issues associated with livestock production.

Program Benefits:

RUP Credits
Insurance Discounts
Improved neighbor relations
Right To Farm Protection
Emergency Plans developed to protect your family
Much More!

MAEAP Program:

The Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is a proactive program that helps farms minimize agricultrual pollution risks. The MAEAP Program is a three phase program: Education, On Farm Risk Assessment, and Third Party Verification. Once a farm has completed all three phases they are eligible for a sign recongnizing their achievements and their outstanding environmental stewardship.