EAST LANSING – The passage of a recent four-year millage in Benzie County meant the difference between the life and death of the Benzie Conservation District, which can continue to deliver conservation programs critical to private landowners in their community.
At 0.1 mill, it should generate about $108,000 in the first year.
“We would have closed our doors if it hadn’t passed,” said Tad Peacock, Benzie Conservation District Administrator. “The funding will enable us to once again become a working office, with field staff, education and outreach programs, and traditional services to the public.”
Services that the agricultural community have come to depend on from the Benzie Conservation District are assistance in following best practices and delivering Farm Bill program, technical and financial assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The millage funds will also give Benzie Conservation District the ability to work on special projects. Some of the planned projects include addressing more effectively the problem of invasive species such as garlic mustard, phragmites, baby’s breath, and more. “We’ve also pledged to help manage the forest tent caterpillar next spring,” said Tad.
Benzie CD worked hard to raise awareness among voters about the necessity to pass the millage and get them out to the poles. According to Tad, the group Friends of the Benzie Conservation District was instrumental in helping to fund and get the word out to support the District’s effort with the millage. “Without the Friends, we wouldn’t have been successful,” he said.
“Conservation Districts provide local communities with targeted natural resource programs, technical and financial assistance that address the specific concerns of the community. The passage of the Benzie Conservation District millage is outstanding and the community will reap significant benefits from its passage,” said Lori Phalen, Executive Director for the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts.
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