EAST LANSING – The Michigan Association of Conservation Districts recognized four state legislators during the MACD Annual Convention held in Big Rapids.
More than 200 attendees recognized Senator Booher, Senator Casperson, Senator Green and Representative McBroom for their outstanding support of natural resource conservation, Michigan?s private forestland resource and Michigan?s Conservation Districts within the state legislature.
?Senator Booher is a strong supporter of Michigan Conservation Districts and their work at the local level and it is our honor to recognize him for his support, and his leadership in the Michigan Senate,” said Art Pelon, President of MACD. “Senator Booher worked diligently to secure the passage of Public Acts 42-50 signed by Governor Snyder in June. This legislation amended the Qualified Forest Program (QFP) and created the Forestry Assistance Program, which now provides forestry assistance to private landowners through Michigan Conservation Districts.?
According to Lori Phalen, MACD Executive Director, over 60 percent of land in Michigan is owned by non-industrial private landowners and therefore the wise stewardship of this land base is critical to the healthy future of Michigan?s natural resources. The Forestry Assistance Program is providing forestry information, education and assistance to landowners to encourage them to actively manage their forestry resource for the long term sustainability of Michigan?s forest resource.
?MACD is pleased to recognize Senator Booher for his support and commitment to Michigan Conservation Districts and the delivery of conservation programs such as the Forestry Assistance Program,? said Lori Phalen. ?In our minds, every acre counts, and the work Senator Booher, Senator Casperson, Senator Green and Representative McBroom do on behalf of every acre in Michigan is to be commended.?
