The Benzie Conservation District was certified as a local unit of state
government on June 15, 1944. It was organized by concerned landowners within Benzie County as a locally controlled
resource management agency, under provisions of the Soil Conservation District Law, Act 297, P.A. 1937, as amended.
This law is now part of the State Compiled Environmental Code, Part 93, Act 451 of 1994 as amended.
Among it's first directors were Allen Graham, Donald Gray, Ellsworth Esch, and Lloyd Nugent. Today the District
is administered by five directors elected by local residents at an annual meeting. They each serve four year terms.
The District's purpose is to foster the best use of land for the present
and future benefits of the community, based on the land's capabilities and landowners goals. Combating soil erosion,
managing surface and groundwater quality and promoting the maintenance of the lands related resources and the aesthetic
values are vital to the community's long range economic well being, from food and timber production to natural
resources related industries and tourism. To these ends, the District strives to be a "gateway" to resource
management information and service providers, so that citizens may manage their lands for a healthier Benzie County.
District activities include cooperation in implementing federal, state, and local government programs, as well
as other independent programs, such as conservation awareness, Envirothon, farmland preservation, forestry, and
wildlife habitat enhancement to name a few. The District is supported by appropriations and grants, which may be
highly variable, depending on the economy and political emphasis. In addition to state and county appropriations
and federal and state grants, the Benzie Conservation District directors are responsible for developing funding
sources such as annual seedling and native plant sales and fundraisers for operating the resource related programs.
To see how you can help the District reach its fundraising goals, visit our Fundraising page. All
donations are deductible from your federal income taxes.
Annual Reports
2004 ~ 2005 ~ 2006 ~ 2007 ~ 2008 ~ 2009
Take a look
at what the District has been up to over the last few years. Project highlights,
staffing and finances are just some of the things you'll find! Email us if there is something else you would like to see us
involved in!