Traverse City Service Unit - A six county area providing technical assistance in resource conservation to customers in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Manistee counties, through Cooperative Working Agreements with the local Conservation Districts.
Service Center Locations:
Traverse City Service Center
1501 Cass Street, Suite A
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 941-0951 Ext. 3
Buzz Long - District Conservationist
E-mail: buzz.long@mi.usda.gov
Greg White - Soil Conservationist
E-mail: greg.white@mi.usda.gov
Bellaire Service Center
106 Depot Street, Complex 2
Bellaire, MI 49615
Phone: (231) 533-8709 Ext. 3
Pepper Bromelmeier - Resource Conservationist
E-mail: pepper.bromelmeier@mi.usda.gov
Heidi Lang - Soil Conservationist
E-mail: heidi.lang@mi.usda.gov
Bear Lake Service Center
8840 Chippewa Highway (US-31 )
Bear Lake, MI 49614
Phone: (231) 889-9666
Ben Loosemoore - Resource Conservationist
E-mail: ben.loosemoore@mi.usda.gov
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE PROGRAMS
CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - (CTA)
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assists customers in planning and implementing resource conservation systems that reduce erosion, improve soil and water quality, improve and conserve wetlands, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve air quality, improve pasture condition, reduce flooding and improve woodlands.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM - (EQIP)
There are three possible projects available to landowners in this Service Unit Area:
- Grand Traverse Bay Specialty Crop Conservation Priority Area
- American Indian Statewide Priority Resource Concerns
- EQIP Statewide Priority Resource Concerns The EQIP program provides technical, educational and financial assistance to eligible farmers to address soil, water and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.
WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM - (WRP)
A program designed to restore farmed or pastured wetlands through easement purchases and restoration activities. Participants can establish conservation easements of either permanent or 30-year duration, or can enter into restoration cost-share agreements with no easement involved. Easement payments are based on the agricultural land value and are paid at 100% of the agricultural value for permanent easements and 75% of the agricultural value for 30-year easements.
WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM - (WHIP)
This program provides financial incentives to develop habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands. Participants agree to implement a wildlife habitat development plan and NRCS provides cost-share and technical assistance for implementation of the conservation practices.
FORESTRY INCENTIVES PROGRAM - (FIP)
FIP is designed to benefit the environment while meeting future demands for wood products by encouraging good forest management on privately owned non-industrial forest lands. Technical and cost-share assistance can be provided for eligible practices such as tree planting, timber stand improvement, site preparation and other related activities.
CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND INITIATIVE - (CPGL)
This initiative ensures that technical, educational, and related assistance is provided to those who own private grazing lands. It is not a cost-share program.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs. ) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc. ) should contact the USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.