USDA Extends Conservation Funding for Michigan Organic Producers

In Michigan the U.S. Department of Agriculture has $950,000 in conservation financial assistance available to qualified producers under its 2009 Organic Initiative. Organic producers, and farmers converting to organic production, now have until June 26 to apply for these funds.

The financial assistance is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Applications for EQIP financial assistance are accepted continuously but eligible producers must submit a completed application by June 26 to qualify for the next application selection under the Organic Initiative. The initial deadline to qualify for the funds was May 29.

Protectors of the Earth Camp Back for 2009

The 2009 Protectors of the Earth Camp is a three-day camp held on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Reservation in Mt. Pleasant from July 28 to 30.  The camp will be held on the grounds of the 7th Generation Program and use various natural areas and facilities on the Reservation for camp activities.

Students will learn about the opportunities, careers, enjoyment and importance of natural resource studies. Students from throughout Michigan are eligible to attend. The application deadline is July 3.

Lake Orion Team Wins Michigan Envirothon

A team of students from Lake Orion High School won the Michigan Envirothon state competition held May 14 and 15 at Michigan State University. The team will now represent Michigan at the Canon North American Envirothon in August.

USDA Offers Forest Management Assistance

Under a pilot program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has financial assistance available for private landowners to have an individualized forest management plan developed.

Financial assistance will come from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Owners of private forest land can apply to NRCS for financial assistance to have a professional forester develop a forest management plan. The plan will help the landowner better manage the forest land for timber production, wildlife habitat, recreation or other uses.