The Grand Traverse Conservation District has housed the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program since its inception in 1996. The program assists pesticide and fertilizer users with proper use and disposal of these products. The program has helped many local growers since that time.

A new sustainability tool has been created by the National Grape Cooperative and the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council called the Grape*A*Syst. This is an assessment tool for grape growers in Michigan. The Grape*A*Syst workbook and assessment process is an important resource for growers to self-assess their practices and measure improvements that they are already making towards sustainability. MSU, MDA and National Grape teamed up to develop the tool.

Conservation Districts that house Groundwater Program Technicians in grape growing areas of the state will administer the assessment tools and help grape growers achieve their sustainability goals. It is nothing new for Dan Busby to work with grape growers... Many of the vineyards in the area are already verified in the MAEAP program, thanks to Dan’s assistance and guidance.

Stay tuned for more information on how the District assists local land owners on achieving their land management goals.