Programs & Services

In this area you will find information about the Grand Traverse Conservation District's many programs and services for the Grand Traverse Area.

Boardman River Restoration and Protection Project
In partnership with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, the District has mounted a comprehensive effort stabilize eroding stream banks on the Boardman River and its tributaries and to protect sensitive lands critical to maintaining the river's high quality.

Forest & Wildlife Management Assistance
Under an agreement with the Leelanau Conservation District and the Michigan Department of Agriculture, a forester works half time in each county to provide timber management and marketing assistance to private landowners. Working with MSU Extension, District staff also provides considerable assistance to homeowners and small landowners regarding tree insect and disease problems, and planting recommendations.

Parkland Management Project
Under an agreement with Grand Traverse County, Traverse City, Traverse City Light & Power and Rotary Charities, the District provides a Parkland Coordinator who helps manage publicly-held lands along the Boardman River; specifically the Natural Education Reserve and the Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Activities include development and implementation of management plans, oversight of construction projects, and monitoring of hydroelectric dams.

Gypsy Moth Suppression Program
During periods of high infestation the District's Gypsy Moth Coordinator administers all aspects of the County's suppression and education program. The Coordinator's responsibilities included egg mass surveys; notification of landowners regarding eligibility; marking of spray blocks; coordination of aerial applicators (contracted by the County); and conducting workshops and other educational activities for students and homeowners.

Groundwater Stewardship Program Agricultural
This program is funded through a state surcharge on nitrate fertilizers and pesticides. The revenues generated are used to help farmers undertake management changes that will reduce the threat of groundwater contamination on their property.

Groundwater Stewardship Program Residential
This program is funded through a state surcharge on nitrate fertilizers and pesticides. The revenues generated are used to help homeowners undertake management changes that will reduce the threat of groundwater contamination on their property.

Agricultural Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance
This program area is primarily staffed by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service employee attached to the District. Activities include the development of farm plans intended to reduce erosion and non-point source pollution; assistance with the design and construction of animal waste facilities, grassed waterways and diversions; and the implementation of other conservation practices.

Native Seedling and Plant Sales
Each spring, the District holds a native tree and shrub sale and a perennial sale. These trees, shrubs, and plants are offered for sale to area residents for wildlife habitat improvement, erosion control, windbreaks, shoreline buffers, backyard conservation, and beautification!
In 2005, the District began a plant rescue program to gather native perennials that would otherwise be lost to development. The program was a huge success in 2005 and continues to grow! Funds generated from the plant sales support the work of the Conservation District.

Conservation Projects

The District offers a number of conservation construction services to area governmental units and non-profit organizations.

Please be aware that District staff field a myriad of landowner questions regarding natural resource issues. Over the years the District has become a clearinghouse for such inquiries, making every effort to ensure that landowner questions are answered by the appropriate people.