*70% of teens who abuse prescription drugs say they get them from family and friends.
SECURE—lock up medications in a safe place. Do not store medications in bathrooms or kitchen cabinets.
MONITOR—keep track of all medications and number of refills.
mation
edications r drinking
of medicain to law t flush e toilet or rbage.
buse preey get d friends.
edications ot store ooms or
ack of all ber of re-
FSU DEPARTMENT SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
OF PUBLICCOUNTY: SAFETY OSCEOLA
MECOSTA
SAFETY
REED CITYDEPARTMENT POLICE DEPARTMENT SHERIFF’S
BIG RAPIDS OF PUBLIC OF SAFETY BIGDEPARTMENT RAPIDS DEPARTMENT PUBLIC SAFETY
LOCATIONS available duringDEPARTMENT lobby hours: information ForFor moremore information contact: OSCEOLA COUNTY: REED during CITY POLICE lobby hours: EVART POLICE DEPARTMENT *Trace amounts of medications LOCATIONS available SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT contact: of medications Shay Tullar *Trace amounts are being found in our drinking Kim Livingston at are being found in our drinking EVART POLICE DEPARTMENT COUNTY: COUNTY: MECOSTAMECOSTA water at 231-527-1499 SHERIFF’S water BIG RAPIDS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLICDEPARTMENT SAFETY 231-527-2000 SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT REEDSAFETY CITY POLICE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT FSU DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
enforcement. Do not flush medications down the toilet or FSU DEPARTMENT medications down the toilet throw them in the or garbage.OF PUBLIC COUNTY:throw them in the garbage.
tions turning them in to law DISPOSE—dispose of medicaBIGbyRAPIDS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY OSCEOLA COUNTY: Do nothours: flush tions by enforcement. turning them in to law LOCATIONS available during lobby
For more information contact: Kim Livingston at DISPOSE—dispose of medica231-527-2000
RAPIDS DEPARTMENT during lobbyBIG hours:
FSU DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
MECOSTA COUNTY: SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
BIG RAPIDS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Bring your unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal.trackDo SHERIFF’SLOCATIONS DEPARTMENT MONITOR—keep of allnot flush medications. medications and number of reavailable during lobby hours: fills.
MONITOR—keep track of all DISPOSE—dispose of medicamedications and number of retions by turning them in to law SECURE—lock up medications fills. enforcement. Do not flush in a safe place. Do not store medications down the toiletSECURE—lock or medications in bathrooms or up medications throw them in the garbage. in a safe kitchen place. Do not store cabinets. LOCATIONS available medications in bathrooms or *Trace amounts of medications kitchen cabinets. *70% of teens who abuse preare being found in our drinking MECOSTA scription drugsCOUNTY: say they get water *70% of teens who abuse prethem from family and friends. scription drugs say they get DEPARTMENT them fromSHERIFF’S family and friends.
*70% of teens who abuse prescription drugs say they get them from family and friends.
SECURE—lock up medications in a safe place. Do not store medications in bathrooms or kitchen cabinets.
*Trace amounts of medications are being found in our drinking water
ication Disposal Boxes Medication Disposal LOCATIONS Boxes available during lobby hours: r unwanted or expired medications for safe and Bring your unwanted or expired medications for safe and Medication Disposal Boxes posal. Do not flush medications. COUNTY: MECOSTA proper disposal. Do not flush medications.
enforcement. Do not flush medications down the toilet or throw them in the garbage.
Bring your unwanted or expired medications for safe and DISPOSE—dispose of medicaproper disposal. Dotions notbyflush medications. turning them in to law
Medication Disposal Boxes
MONITOR—keep track of all medications and number of refills.
MECOSTA AND OSCEOLA-LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS ANNUAL REPORT
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
Bring your unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal. Do not flush medications.
PRSRT STD Nonprofit Org. US Postage Paid Big Rapids, MI 49307 Permit No. 62
Medication Disposal Boxes
Mecosta Soil Conservation District 18260 Northland Drive Big Rapids, Michigan 49307
2
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
OSCEOLA-LAKE & MECOSTA CONSERVATION DISTRICTS Fall 2020 Seedling Price List
CONIFERS
Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) White Pine (Pinus strobus) Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) White Spruce (Picea glauca) Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
SIZE
25
50
100
250
$56 $60 $60 N/A N/A
$82 $94 $82 N/A N/A
6-12” 4-8” 12-18” 4-8” 6-12” 6-12”
$20 $20 $20 $20 $20 $24
$28 $28 $28 $28 $28 $32
12-24” 12-24” 12-24” 12-18” 12-18”
$30 $38 $32 $28 $28
$40 $48 $42 $54 $48
$44 $44 $44 $44 $44 $48
$60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $70
500
$105 $110 $100 $105 $105 $125
WILDLIFE SHRUBS
Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
Other Conservation Products Geobin Home & Garden Compost Bin
Price $38
Terra Sorb Root Gel
Price: 1 oz. $2.00
8 oz. $8.00
1 lb. $15.00
NutriPak Fertilizer Packets Price: $1.25 each or 6 for $7.00 Scientifically designed fertilizer packet formulated to continuously fertilize over a five year period. Tree Planting Bars Price: $25.00 or $5/day rental Excellent tool used for planting seedlings in non-rocky soil that is easy to penetrate. Each bar has a footstep, handle and weighs approx. 7 lbs. Tree Flags 4” x 4.5” florescent flag on a 30 “ wire stake.
Price $0.20 each or 100 for $15.00
“Trees Planted” Signs Price $3.00 Made of heavy grade aluminum. Each sign measures 7.5” x 11”. Black print on high visibility yellow or orange background. “No Trespassing” Signs Price $3.00 Made of heavy grade aluminum. Each sign measures 7.5” x 11”. Black print on high visibility yellow background. Tree Shelters Price $5.00 each 5 ft. max grow tube tree shelters to protect seedlings. Tree stakes not included. Best 1 Hummingbird Feeder
Price $13.95
Books For Sale Wildflowers of Michigan: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Birds of Michigan: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Trees of Michigan: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Mammals of Michigan: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Butterflies of Michigan: Field Guide by Jaret C. Daniels Reptiles & Amphibians of MN, WI, MI: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela Wild Berries & Fruits of MN, WI, MI: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela The Muskegon, The Majesty and Tragedy of Michigan’s Rarest River by Jeff Alexander Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather N. Holm 2018 Mecosta County Platbook 2017 Osceola County Platbook 2018 Lake County Platbook
Price: $16.95 Price: $12.95 Price: $12.95 Price: $14.95 Price: $16.95 Price: $14.95 Price: $14.95 Price: $25.00 Price: $19.95 Price: $25.00 Price: $27.50 Price: $27.50
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
3
***************************************************************************
Important Ordering and Pickup Information
Complete the order form below. Send order form to the District in which your property is located. All orders under $100 must be paid in full at time of ordering. All other orders require a 50% deposit. Remaining balance due on or before Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Orders will not be placed without receipt of being paid in full. Orders canceled prior to the ordering deadline will be charged for any credit card processing fees. No refunds on orders canceled after the ordering deadline. Orders may be placed by mail or phone and can be paid by check or credit card. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. *************************************************************************************** Ordering deadline is Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 2:00 pm. Orders received after this date will be filled based on availability.
Important Ordering and Pickup Information
Complete the order form below. Send order form to the District in which your property is located. All orders under $100 must be paid in full at time of
Quantities are limited and orders will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis.
ordering. All other orders require a 50% deposit. Remaining balance due on or before Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Orders will not be placed
We do not guarantee survival. Our liability ceases when seedlings are delivered to buyer or custom planter. without receipt of being paid in full.
canceledfor prior to thetrees, ordering deadline will other be charged for any card processing Noattached refunds on orders canceled after the ordering “ItOrders is unlawful these shrubs and plants to credit be resold with thefees. roots in accordance with the deadline. Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act, P.A. 189 of 1931, as amended.� Orders may be placed by mail or phone and can be paid by check or credit card. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.
Pickup location will be at the Paris Park Fish Hatchery. Pickup Date: Friday, October 2, 2020, 9:00 am Ordering deadline is Wednesday, September 23, 2020, 2:00 pm. Orders received after this date will be filled based on availability. to 4:00 pm. Orders are not shipped. For those who place an order a reminder email or phone call will be Quantities are limited and orders will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis. made regarding pickup date and time. We do not guarantee survival. Our liability ceases when seedlings are delivered to buyer or custom planter.
is unlawful for these shrubs and other plants be scheduled resold with the date roots attached in accordance with the Insect Pest and Plant If "It you are unable totrees, pickup your order on tothe you must make other arrangements. Disease Act, P.A. 189 of 1931, as amended." We will not be responsible for lost or stolen trees that are not picked up on the scheduled pickup date.
Pickup location will be at the Paris Park Fish Hatchery. Pickup Date: Friday, October 2, 2020, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Orders are not shipped. For
Please let place us know if aa reminder tree planter becall picking up your order. The order must be paid in full prior to pickup. those who an order email orwill phone will be made regarding pickup date and time. If you are unable to pickup your order on the scheduled date you must make other arrangements. We will not be responsible for lost or stolen
The district right to cancelpickup orders and refund payments due to reasons beyond our control. trees that arereserves not pickedthe up on the scheduled date.
Please*let * *us*know * * * *if *a *tree * *planter * * * *will * *be * *picking * * * *up * *your * * *order. * * * The * * *order * * *must * * *be * *paid * * *in*full * *prior * * *to*pickup. **********************
ORDER FORM
The district reserves the right to cancel orders and refund payments due to reasons beyond our control.
Name
*************************************************************************************** ________________________________________________________________________________
Address Name
________________________________________________________________________________
Address City, State, Zip
________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Phone
Email ____________________________________ ______________________________________ Email
ORDER FORM
City, State Zip
If your property is located in Osceola County or the East half of Lake County mail to: Osceola-Lake Conservation District 138 W. Upton Ave, Suite 2 Reed City, MI 49677 Phone orders: (231) 465-8012
Quantity
If your property is located in Mecosta County mail to: Mecosta Conservation District 18260 Northland Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone orders: (989) 309-9229
Species/Item
Cost
Subtotal Payment by Check or Credit Card Visa MasterCard
Discover
(V code is last 3 digits on signature line on back of card) - V code example: 1234 567
# ____________________________________ V code:_________ Exp. Date ____________________________
Add 6% Sales Tax Tax Deductible Contribution Subtotal Required Deposit Balance Due
4
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
DISTRICT INFORMATION OSCEOLA-LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
MECOSTA CONSERVATION DISTRICT
District Directors
District Directors
138 W Upton, Suite 2 Reed City, MI 49677 Phone: (231) 465-8012 Email: mark.sweppenheiser@macd.org Website: www.osceolalakecd.org
18260 Northland Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone: (231) 796-0909 Ext. 3 Email: brook.baumann@macd.org Web site: www.mecostacd.org
Patrick Kailing, Chairman Connie Theunick-Perley, Vice-Chairperson Mike Stilwell, Member Jack Thornton, Member Eric Martin, Member
Don Henning, Chairman Bill Jernstadt, Vice-Chairperson Tom Samuel, Treasurer Clare Cook, Secretary Mary Lou Kuehn, Member
District Staff
District Staff
Mark Sweppenheiser, District Manager Rick Lucas, District Forester Alex Svoboda, MAEAP Technician
Brook Baumann, District Administrator Rick Lucas, District Forester Karen McDaniel, MAEAP Technician Cristen Cornell, CTAI Program Assistant Vicki Sawicki, Invasive Species Coordinator
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Greg White, District Conservationist
Board Meetings
Regular board meetings are held monthly on the second Thursday of the month at Richmond Township Hall in Reed City. Call the office to confirm dates and times. Open to the public.
All programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.
Jennifer Taylor, District Conservationist
Board Meetings Regular board meetings are held bi-monthly the second Wednesday of the month at the USDA Service Center in Big Rapids. Call the office to confirm dates and times. Open to the public.
A BIG THANKS to our volunteers and all those who supported the 2019 Household Hazardous Waste Collection. 65,557 pounds of toxic and hazardous materials were collected! Mecosta County Supporters Aetna Township Austin Township Big Rapids Township Chippewa Township City of Big Rapids Colfax Township Fork Township Grant Township Green Charter Township Hinton Township Martiny Township Mecosta County Mecosta Co. Comm. Fndn. Mecosta County Sheriff’s Posse Mecosta Township
Millbrook Township Morton Township Nestle Waters North America Recycle of Mecosta County Village of Morley Lake County Supporters Chase Township Cherry Valley Township Dover Township Elk Township Ellsworth Township Lake County Lake Co. Comm. Fndn. Lake County Riverside Property Assoc.
Lake Township Newkirk Township PM Watershed Council Pinora Township Pleasant Plains Township Sauble Township Sweetwater Township Webber Township Osceola County Supporters Burdell Township Cedar Township City of Evart City of Reed City Evart Township Hersey Township
PCA WOODLANDS
Assisting Landowners with their timber harvest objectives: • 20 Acre Woodlot Minimum • Mixed Hardwood Thinning and Aspen Clear Cutting • SFI & FSC Certified
Andy Klein 231-499-9444
Sean Sobaski 231-499-9441
Ben James 231-499-1346
Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, and Lake Counties
Mason, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties
Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Osceola, Mecosta, Clare, and Isabella Counties
Highland Township LeRoy Township Lincoln Township Orient Township Osceola County Osceola Co. Comm. Fndn. Osceola Co. Rd Comm. Osceola Township Recycle of Osceola County Richmond Township Rose Lake Township Sherman Township Sylvan Township Village of Marion Village of Tustin
Buyers of Red Pine Pole Timber Leaders in Red Pine Management
INC.
6151 Gerwoude Dr. McBain, MI 49657 Phone: 231-825-2233 Fax: 231-825-2107 Tony Furlich & Tony Hitch, Foresters
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
5
Regenerative Ag Products Coming to Yoplait in Reed City BY: GREG WHITE Each morning I receive an email from No-till Farmer, an online magazine, with a group of articles linked to their website. As a soil health junkie, I try to stay up to date on any new strategies that farmers are trying with cover crops or reducing tillage. An article from the June 18th edition caught my eye. It was titled ‘General Mills Launches Regenerative Dairy Pilot Program in Michigan’. Tillage, overuse of chemical inputs and lack of biologic diversity have degraded our agricultural soils. Regenerative Agriculture places an emphasis on the management of the soil to restore the water, carbon and nutrient cycles. The article announced a 3-year pilot program that involves three West MI dairy farms with a goal to implement regenerative agricultural practices on 1,500 acres. The graphic in the article indicated that the milk would be produced less than 100 miles from the Yoplait plant in Reed City. General Mills has partnered with the consulting group Understanding Ag and the dairy cooperative Foremost Farms to provide support to the participating farms. A look at the Understanding Ag
website shows that it includes big names of the soil health movement, like Gabe Brown and Ray Archuletta. The site also contains resources for education on soil health management practices. With my interest in soil health and my office a block away from the Yoplait plant, I reached out to Foremost Farms and Understanding Ag. A week or so later, I was on a conference call with representatives from Foremost Farms and General Mills. I learned that the three farms have had visits from regenerative agriculture consultants Allen Williams and Kent Solberg, from Understanding Ag, to develop recommendations for a transition to more sustainable practices. General Mills is providing the farms with cover crop seed to cover 800 acres this year. The call also reminded me of the company’s two other pilot programs with 24 Kansas farmers growing wheat and 45 North Dakota and Canadian farmers growing oats. The company has committed to advancing regenerative agricultural practices on 1 million acres by 2030. This commitment and those made by other large companies will hopefully help drive a change in agriculture that will benefit farms and our natural
resources. If you’ve heard anyone else speak of soil health, you’ve likely heard of the 5 soil health principles. 1 - Minimize soil disturbance, 2 - keep the soil covered, 3 - increase diversity, 4 - maintain living roots and 5 - integrate livestock. All these things are done to mimic a natural system where there are no commercial fertilizers or pesticides and production continues. At a conference this winter I heard Gabe Brown speak of a 6th principle, which I was reminded of while doing additional searches through the General Mills website. The 6th principle needs to be the first step; this is Understanding Context. At a March meeting down in Paw Paw, Gabe Brown made two comments that relate to ‘Context’. 1 – “The condition of your soil is a direct reflection of your management” & 2 – “If you want to make small changes in your operation, then change the way you do things. If you want to make big changes in your operation, then change the way you see things”. For example, if your soil is compacted and or eroding, you may need to step back and look differently at how you’re doing things. Implementation of the 6 principles will increase your farms resilience to weather
Cover crop mixes over seeded into soybeans and leaf yellowing provide soil protection and improve soil health.
and market fluctuations by reducing inputs and increasing profitability. The sooner you begin to make these changes the more ready you’ll be as markets continue to shift towards sustainably produced agricultural products. If you’re curious how your
practices measure up, General Mills has a ‘Regenerative Agriculture Self-Assessment Tool’ on their website. Your local NRCS office can complete a soil health assessment or there are soil testing labs that can measure the health of your soil.
General Mills working toward their 1 million acres of regenerative agricultural practices with pilot programs. Source: www.no-tillfarmer.com
Locally Owned & Operated Since 1948
MICHAEL
OIL & PROPANE
Premium Diesel Fuel Highway & Off Road
Heating Fuel • Gasoline • Kerosene • Propane 24 Hour EmErgEncy SErvicE AvAilAblE!
18655 Northland Dr., Old U.S. 131, Big Rapids
231-796-8681
www.michaeloilandpropane.com Online Payment Options Available!
6
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
Here Are Your Local Resource Professionals and the Services They Provide: Mark Sweppenheiser, OsceolaLake CD District Manager
Mark and Brook provide information and educational outreach. They support and promote all District and NRCS programs and services as well as develop conservation programs which expand community partnerships. They are the fiduciary agents for numerous grants. They administer annual spring and fall seedling sales, native plant sales, and offer assistance in pollinator plantings, rain gardens and other wildlife plantings. They coordinate tire, electronics and household hazardous waste collections. They refer landowners to the appropriate resource professionals/ agencies. You can reach Mark at 231-465-8012 or Brook at (231) 796-0909 Ext. 3 Karen and Alex administer the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) in their respective counties. They offer free on-site evaluations of environmental risk in addition to discussing cost share opportunities to address those risks. They present options that lead to sustainable practices as well as conservation planning assistance. They provide support to landowners through each step of the MAEAP program. You can reach Alex at 231-465-8005 or Karen at 231-408-3574.
Karen McDaniel, Mecosta CD MAEAP Technician
Rick Lucas, Osceola-Lake and Mecosta CD’s District Forester
Greg White, Osceola-Lake CD NRCS District Conservationist
Rick administers the Forestry Assistance Program (FAP). He provides: free onsite assessments, forest management and wildlife habitat enhancement options, tree and shrub planting recommendations, forest insect and disease identification including invasive forest plants offering monitoring and control options. Rick provides information on state tax incentive programs. He refers landowners to appropriate private and governmental service providers. Contact Rick at 231-408-3567. Vicki is the invasive species management coordinator for six counties: Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford. She and her North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA) team are available to advise property owners in invasive species identification, treatment and control. This includes demonstrations of control methods and help in obtaining required permits. Cost-share for control of some species is available through April 2020. NCCISMA also provides educational presentations and displays on invasive species for community events. Contact Vicki at 231-429-5072. Greg and Jennifer provide technical expertise and conservation planning assistance to private landowners wanting to make conservation improvements to their land. Their services include planning science-based solutions to meet landowners’ objectives and resource needs on crop, pasture, forest and wildlife lands. They offer soil health recommendations to improve the productivity of the soil and reduce farm inputs. Clients can apply for financial assistance from NRCS through USDA Farm Bill programs to make improvements to their land. They help landowners complete the application process, provide technical support in implementation, provide engineering designs as needed and manage the conservation contracts. Contact Greg at 231-465-8007 or Jennifer at 231-408-3573. Cristen Cornell is the CTAI-PA/Farm Bill Specialist. She works at the Big Rapids, Fremont and Shelby Field Offices. Her main role is to support the District Conservationists with the NRCS Farm Bill Programs and practices that enable farmers to reduce identified environmental risks on their farms. Contact Cristen at 231-408-3582.
Brook Baumann, Mecosta CD District Administrator
Alex Svoboda, Osceola-Lake CD MAEAP Technician
Vicki Sawicki, Osceola-Lake and Mecosta CD’s Invasive Species Coordinator
Jennifer Taylor, Mecosta CD NRCS District Conservationist
High Lean Pork
Main Office: 1652 11 Mile Rd. • Remus, MI (989) 967-3669 • Fax (989) 967-8258 Corporate Office: 11304 Edgewater Dr., Suite A Allendale, MI 49401 (616) 895-7493 • Fax (616) 895-4008
Lee Carte, Production Coordinator
Cristen Cornell, Mecosta CD CTAI-PA/Farm Bill Specialist
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
7
Mecosta Conservation District Welcomes New Employee
Near Farm Drainage LLC
40 Years Experience - John Near
Drain Tile • Installation • Design System
Excavator Work • Dozer Work
(231-) 730-2901 or (231) 861-4424
LO SB
217 S. Chestnut St. P.O. Box 175 Reed City, MI 49677
Lake Osceola State Bank
Customer Care
Community Support
Voice: 231-832-0022 Fax: 231-832-1384
Offices at: Baldwin • Big Rapids • Irons • LeRoy • Luther • Reed City • Tustin • Walkerville • Wellston
Cristen Cornell is joining the Mecosta Conservation District team as a CTAI-PA/Farm Bill Specialist. She will be working at the Big Rapids, Fremont and Shelby Field Offices. Her main role will be to support the District Conservationists with the NRCS Farm Bill
Programs. Cristen has eight years of professional experience in the dairy industry, and over fifteen years in the equine industry. She has serviced more than a hundred different dairy farms in the Midwest. Cristen enjoys working with producers and is
excited to assist our clients. Cristen spends her spare time camping and fishing with her family, hiking with her dogs and riding her horses. She also enjoys wildlife and nature around her home near Remus and in the Upper Peninsula.
CHERRY CREEK FORESTRY LLC Travis Miller
Procurement Forester
miller.travis27@yahoo.com
Buyer oF StandIng tImBer
Joe doyle, owner (231) 832-5586
Select cutting and chipping Food Plots - Firewood Wildlife Habitat Improvement
BUYERS OF STANDING RED PINE
231-342-3819 6610 E. M-63 Luther, MI 49656
DOYLE FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.
Mill Address: 5882 E. 7 Mile Rd. Evart, MI 49631
21364 Meceola Rd. • Paris, MI 49338
A FAmily TrAdiTion Since 1957
MECOSTA CONSERVATION DISTRICT
PUMPKIN PAINTING FUNDRAISER LED BY AMBER PROUT WITH PROUT, PAINT, PRAY
Join us for a night of fun while a professional local artist instructs you step-by-step how to create a beautiful outdoor wood sign that is perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
When: Friday, September 18th, 5 pm - 7 pm Where: Mecosta County Youth and Family Center 587 S. Washington Street, Mecosta Who: Must be 10 years and older to participate Cost: $40 A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Mecosta Conservation District.
How to register: Limited seats available. Registration can be completed by mailing a check to Amber Prout, 6780 West Deerfield Rd, Remus, MI and call/text 989-560-4978 to let Amber know the check is in the mail to save your spot. You can also register through the Facebook page, Prout, Paint, Pray, and click on the Events tab.
tŚĞŶ͗ &ƌŝĚĂLJ͕ KĐƚŽďĞƌ ϮŶĚ dŝŵĞ͗ ϵĂ͘ŵ͘ – ϰƉ͘ŵ͘ tŚĞƌĞ͗ WĂƌŝƐ WĂƌŬ &ŝƐŚ ,ĂƚĐŚĞƌLJ tĞ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ƚĂŬĞ ƉƌĞͲŽƌĚĞƌƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĨĂůů ŶĂƚŝǀĞ ƉůĂŶƚ ƐĂůĞ͘ WůĂŶƚƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŽŶ Ă ĨŝƌƐƚͲĐŽŵĞ͕ ĨŝƌƐƚͲƐĞƌǀĞĚ ďĂƐŝƐ͘ &Žƌ ƋƵĞƐƚŝŽŶƐ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ DĞĐŽƐƚĂ ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ;ϵϴϵͿ ϯϬϵͲϵϮϮϵ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
KƐĐĞŽůĂͲ>ĂŬĞ ŽŶƐĞƌǀĂƚŝŽŶ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ;ϮϯϭͿ ϰϲϱͲϴϬϭϮ
8
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
The Return of the Gypsy Moth BY RICK A. LUCAS, CF FAP FORESTER
Pennsylvania. It’s important to note, it is only during the larval or After a rather long caterpillar stage that the hiatus, an old forest pest pest feeds on trees. During reappeared this year in all other stages of activity, significant numbers in it is only preparing itself parts of Mecosta, Osceola for completing its life and Lake Counties cycle. While it does feed causing moderate to on a rather long list of heavy defoliation. Many tree species, its preferred long-time residents and choice are the oaks and forest owners will recall aspen (popple). Two tree the extreme defoliation species that occur in caused by the gypsy moth great abundance in our back in the late 80’s and part of the state. When most of the 90’s. During feeding populations are that timeframe, defoliation extreme, both white on the pest’s favorite pines and spruce become tree species was county targets as well. This too is wide. For reasons not well important to note, because understood or defined, completely defoliated the pest has been mostly conifers rarely survive a no-show for many years such an attack. while breaking away from Oaks and aspens, as its typical cycle of high well as, other deciduous populations every 6-8 trees fed on by the gypsy years. moth, tend to fare much Unlike many invasive better. Although it can forest pests that look quite extreme in late unknowingly hitch a ride July while viewing a forest on cargo or shipping devoid of all foliage, gypsy material, and find their moth feeding activity way into our forests, the alone rarely kills trees gypsy moth was purposely outright. Usually by mid brought into the country to late August, oaks and to help enhance the aspens will produce a silk industry. This all second much smaller set happened more than of leaves if they have been 150 years ago taking defoliated by more than place in a small town in 50% of their foliage. Any time this happens in the tree world, it does come at a cost to the tree. By doing so, it is using up some of its energy reserves, which would normally be
used during the course of the balance of the year and then in full force the following spring to flush a new set of leaves. There are several factors to consider when predicting mortality in defoliated deciduous trees. A list of factors would include: age of the tree, crown position, size of the crown, competition from other trees (this is usually the biggest stressor in a forest and some yard settings as well), late frost, too much rain, drought, compaction of soil, other insect pests present to name a few. Just like a human, when our immune system is compromised by one factor, and then another stressor is added, the end result is usually not good news. Stress + stress + stress increases the probability of mortality. Treating a large-scale gypsy moth population will likely best be done by contracting with a private aerial applicator. Size of treatment area, cost, availability of a contractor and timing of application are just a few of the factors that need to be sorted out. Generally, aerial applications will be done right around Memorial Day weekend. Timing of the application is most critical. For aerial treatments to be
most effective, tree leaf development needs to be underway (oaks leaf out about 2 weeks later than most all other deciduous trees) and it needs to coincide with the hatch of the gypsy moth egg masses. Treatment needs to happen when the larvae first hatch and are very small. A cold wet spring is usually a recipe for disaster. When these conditions exist, aerial applications tend to be ineffective and could result in the need for a second application. Two naturally occurring pathogens generally play a major role in causing gypsy moth populations to crash on their own without any treatment. One pathogen is a naturally occurring fungus and the other is a virus. The fungus, known as Entomophaga maimaiga, is found in the soil. This fungus is favored by ample spring moisture that allows resting spores in the soil around the base of trees that were infested with caterpillars the previous summer to germinate and infect young caterpillars as they traverse across the soil and up the trunks of the trees. The virus pathogen, causes caterpillars to turn black and fold in the middle, causing the caterpillar to remain
stuck to the tree in an inverted “V” position. Both pathogens can cause a gypsy moth population crash but collapses due to the gypsy moth virus only happen at high population densities where defoliation is expected, while population collapse caused by the fungus may also happen at much lower population densities, well before defoliation occurs. The fungus will leave the caterpillar attached to the tree in a straight line. If you see any of this occurring in your location, that’s a good sign. Unlike our first experience with the gypsy moth in the 80’s and 90’s, some of my forest health colleagues around the state are receiving reporting of allergic reactions by some individuals when making contact with the long hairs on the sides of the medium and larger sized caterpillars. As a result, individuals are breaking into a rash. So, use caution when handling the caterpillars. We have collected a long list of informational bulletins and posted them on our website at mecostacd.org or osceolalakecd.org. Check it out when you can and feel free to call our office as you have questions.
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CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
9
Find out how you can hire NCCISMA to treat high priority species on your property
The North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area’s (NCCISMA) strike team is in the field taking action on several aggressive, high priority, invasive species. NCCISMA covers a six county service area, including Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford. When a non-native plant causes harm to the area it’s introduced to, it’s viewed
as “invasive.” This could mean that it’s forcing native plants and animals out of the area, changing the ecological function of the habitat or is causing damage to the economy or human health. Our strike team is a twoman crew that performs treatments specific to your situation. Depending on the type of species, this may include herbicide, licensed applicators and site evaluation. This
High Priority
program is not intended to compete with local contractors, but rather to provide an affordable option in situations where the infestation is not large enough to warrant hiring a private contractor. For infestations that are particularly large, or difficult to access, a private contractor is likely more suited for the job than NCCISMA’s strike
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wonderful opportunity for real help on your land, contact our NCCISMA Program Coordinator by emailing vicki.sawicki@ macd.org, or calling (231) 429-5072. The NCCISMA’s Invasive Species Technician is also available by email at zach. peklo@macd.org, or by phone (248) 210-6047.
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team. NCCISMA has a list of herbicide contractors that work in the area and specialize in the treatment of invasive species. NCCISMA is fully funded by grants, and relies on strong partnerships to grow and thrive. 100% of the funds generated from the strike team performing treatments go back into the NCCISMA program. To learn more about this
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10
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
MUSKEGON RIVER TRASH BASH SET FOR AUGUST 2020 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Muskegon River Trash Bash has become an annual family friendly clean-up event. This year, to keep the annual tradition going and keep the volunteers who make this event a success safe, the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is taking a different approach to the 2020 Muskegon River Trash Bash. Instead of a one-day event, volunteers will be able to complete their clean-up any day in August. Each person picks their own team, the date and the location. One team member must register on the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly’s Trash Bash website and must complete their cleanup in August 2020 to be eligible for gifts and to receive their certificate of achievement as a protector of the river. Oneperson teams are welcome. To help keep our river clean, the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly is asking for your help. Get outside in the month of August and support the annual
Muskegon River Trash Bash! Every bit of debris picked up and properly disposed of makes a difference. There are many miles of rivers and acres of land that can use our help. The Muskegon River Watershed covers approximately 2,725 square miles includes 94 connecting streams. The “Mighty Muskegon” is Michigan’s second longest, meandering over 216 miles through nine counties, descending 575 feet in elevation from its headwaters near Houghton Lake to Lake Michigan in Muskegon. A river clean-up makes a great family outing or team building event and allows a perfect opportunity to get outside and practice social distancing. You can clean-up an area while tubing your favorite reach, hiking a trail, fishing a secret spot, or take a leisurely boat ride on a hot afternoon. You are the boss on picking the place and the time and date. First you must register
https://mrwa.org/trashbash-2020/. After you register, you will receive an email with additional details. Please note that all participants will be required to sign and return a liability waiver prior to participating. By Land or By Water…the river needs our help. And nothing beats a day on the “Mighty Muskegon”!!!
Great Lakes Grant Improves Water Quality The Challenge: The Muskegon River Watershed in Michigan was experiencing substantial nonpoint source pollution from water runoff into its waterways from three locations—Clay Cliffs in Big Rapids, Bridgeton Township Park in Grant, and the city of Muskegon, a Great Lakes Area of Concern. The watershed is one of the largest in Michigan and covers 2,725 square miles. All of the surface water runoff that goes into the Muskegon River Watershed ultimately flows into Lake Michigan and impacts water quality. The Solution: The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA) brought communities together to address problem areas and protect their shared water source. The MRWA received a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and Environmental Protection Agency for $200,000 to purchase trees to plant along the affected waterways. Trees soak up pollutants in groundwater and storm water runoff and are often used to naturally improve water quality in specific areas. In all, over 60 volunteers and 5
employees planted more than 2,000 trees across the three locations from 2016 to 2019. More trees were planted at each site than the grant required. At two sites with higher tree mortality and challenging soil conditions, MRWA worked with the Forest Service to adapt the planting plan and replace trees with diverse varieties within the available budget. Volunteers also planted native grasses and shrubs, restoring habitats where land historically was cleared of vegetation. Resulting Benefits: The recently planted trees will reduce water runoff by roughly 582,900 gallons in the first 5 years, improving water quality at the three locations as well as downstream in the watershed. The trees also increase shade, reduce soil erosion, and provide forest cover and habitat for wildlife. Sharing Success: Many educational and outreach events were held during the project period to showcase the importance of tree planting to reduce runoff, stabilize eroding areas, and protect riparian and aquatic habitats. A Lake Ecology Day event in 2019 in Newaygo County provided school-aged children with a
hands-on learning experience that included discussions about riparian habitats and shoreline protection. The Bridgeton Township Park boat launch, a popular recreation site, became a showcase location for its holistic approach to restoring ecological function. Along with the tree planting, community volunteers and students further enhanced the park with rain gardens, native wildflowers, and recreational amenities. The project generated numerous articles in the MRWA’s newsletter and in local newspapers, as well as signage at the planting sites and presentations. MRWA and Bridgeton Township used this collaborative opportunity
A sign describes the tree planting and site enhancements at the city of Big Rapids. (Courtesy photo by Patricia Jarrett, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly)
to stimulate a strong and productive relationship. Building on their successful grant work, MRWA held meetings with representatives of three counties to promote partnering on a largescale tree planting project for 2020. The meetings produced
commitments from Newaygo and Mecosta County Parks; the cities of Newaygo, Reed City, and Muskegon; and Bridgeton Township to continue and expand tree planting efforts.
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CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
11
MAEAP-Protecting our local resources Over the past year, your local MAEAP Technicians have been working to help farm and forest landowners reduce environmental risk related to land management practices. Alex covers Osceola, Clare and the east half of Lake counties and Karen covers Mecosta and Montcalm counties. By assisting landowners in becoming MAEAP verified and then maintaining MAEAP verification, Alex and Karen have reduced environmental risk on over 2,900 acres of farmland and 1,500 acres of forests, in the last year. They have also provided landowners with $2,469 in cost-share assistance to implement conservation practices that reduce environmental risk. These risk reductions positively impact the properties where they are put in place and play an important role in protecting Michigan’s lakes, streams, and groundwater. Like all Conservation District services, having a MAEAP Technician visit your farm or forest is free of charge. MAEAP is also a voluntary and non-regulatory program. If you are interested in learning how to get your property MAEAP Verified or if you are up for re-verification please contact your county technician. We look forward to working with you!
Alex Svoboda: Clare, Osceola, east half of Lake 231-465-8005 Alex.svoboda@macd.org Karen McDaniel: Mecosta and Montcalm 231-408-3574 Karen.ickes@macd.org
2 Men & A Hen, a newly verified farm in Mecosta County
REFLECTION BY JENNIFER TAYLOR
costs, controlling erosion and making pasture We have had a lot to improvements. process and think about Often times during or lately. We have spent after reflection I like to more time at home run things by someone. with family, farming, For me, I share with my gardening, or spending husband, sisters, parents time at the cottage. Seems and/or coworkers. It like we’re spending more brings about new thoughts time on our property. As and ideas. Without taking we are enjoying nature, the time to evaluate and perhaps we are seeing reassess, decisions may get things we want to improve, made that one may regret. create and/or develop I have found when I didn’t while seeking ways to reflect or seek guidance make or save money. on big decisions, the Life is certainly changing results didn’t turn out so the ways we have always well. Working with land done things. We’ve had resources is quite similar. time for reflection, to A quick decision can turn think deeply or carefully into more concerns. Take about something. Those time to reflect, discuss hikes or 4 wheeler rides with family, friends on the property have and especially seek allowed us to clear our professional guidance. mind of the chaos, while We, USDA NRCS and taking a moment to enjoy your local Conservation the beauty and appreciate Districts, are here to what we have. As we REFLECT with you. explore and reflect deeper, USDA’s Natural we may see something that Resources Conservation stimulates a change to our Service (NRCS) supports land management. Clients vital conservation efforts have expressed interest across America. NRCS in improving hunting helps American farmers opportunities, controlling and forest landowners undesirable vegetation or make conservation work pests, harvesting timber, for them. They promote cutting farm production practices that help
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improve production, reduce input costs, and conserve natural resources for the future. NRCS and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) also provide financial resources to help producers fund conservation efforts. NRCS and FSA offer conservation programs for all types of agricultural operations
and privately-owned forests and wetlands, whether you want to integrate conservation into your farm or ranch or conserve sensitive landscapes. Conservation at Work Video Series Check out the new 90-second video series featuring
conservation practices. Pick a video to watch or check out the playlist on YouTube to watch them all. https://www. farmers.gov/conserve/ conservation-at-work or https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=jUIWOaa7v w4&list=PL4J8PxoprpGZ2 F23YzTa3QjSDfj-lK2ZB
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12
CONSERVATION NEWS 2020
A Summer with the NRCS
It’s 7 am and my alarm goes off. I get dressed, feed my cat, and eat my breakfast. Out the door by 7:30. I am on my way to my summer internship in Big Rapids, Michigan. Let me introduce myself. I am a 27-year-old senior at Northern Michigan University (NMU) studying environmental science, with a concentration in water resources, and a minor in environmental psychology. What does all that mean exactly? Well, essentially, I love science. My eyes were opened to the world of environmental science back in 2015 from Professor Jeremy Lynd at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. From there, I chased every opportunity that would bring me one step closer to a dream I hadn’t realized I was chasing. In 2017, I graduated my community college and began at University. It was here, working closely with my professors, I was able to cultivate and focus in on my dream. I knew a field in science was the right place for me. I discovered I had a deep love for water, which quickly developed my love for wetlands. Last year, I began working closely with Professor Matt Van Grinsven (aka VG) researching a local wetland site that had been restored in Marquette, Michigan. I worked hard and continued to chase the opportunities as they arrived. So, what brought me to working
When:
Where:
for the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)? A single email from VG. He forwarded an email to apply for a soil conservation internship with the USDA NRCS this summer. I immediately jumped on the opportunity and within a week my application had been submitted. All I could do then was wait. Shockingly for me, I was offered the internship position. At the time of writing this I am starting my 8th week with the agency. So far, I have been absolutely LOVING my time here. I immediately felt welcomed by the staff. My supervisor, Jennifer Taylor, jumped right into training me. By day 2 we were in the field and I was learning more about the agency and the programs we offer. It took a few weeks to get the hang of everything Jen was teaching me, but I’d like to think I’m finally in the swing of things. If I tried to tell you everything that I’ve learned these last 8 weeks, this “brief” article would become a novel. I’ve been involved in forestry, building wildlife habitat, a prescribed burn, and pollinator habitat. I’ve seen enormous gullies and bank erosion, cover crops and agriculture production, and identified countless plants. I’ve spent hours editing maps, assessing Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program
Katy Robinson, self-proclaimed “giant nerd”
(CSP) clients, and corresponding with coworkers. Jen has been trying to get me involved with every possible thing she can and for that I am eternally grateful. My favorite things I’ve learned so far? Fungus on trees are “an external indicator of an internal rot” – Rick Lucas, black cherry trees have potato chip bark, Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART) and Conservation Desktop (CD)
truly test one’s patience, and, perhaps most importantly, I want to work for the NRCS when I graduate. I’ve dedicated this summer to soaking up as much information as I can, gaining invaluable knowledge from my supervisor and the rest of the staff. I cannot wait to see where the rest of this summer takes me, and who knows, maybe someday I’ll be a Soil Conservationist and not just an intern.
Lake - Mecosta - Osceola Counties Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day
Saturday, October 10, 2020
9:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Lake County
Wenger Pavilion, downtown Baldwin (behind Jones Ice Cream Parlor)
Osceola County
Road Commission South Facility (4737 Makwa Drive, Hersey)
Mecosta County
Chippewa Hills High School (3226 Arthur Rd., Remus)
Cost: No charge, but donations are appreciated.
Household Hazardous Waste are materials that, if disposed of incorrectly, can cause environmental damage by contaminating ground and surface waters, threatening human health and wildlife.
Items such as: Oil based paint products (NO LATEX PAINT), glue, adhesives, pesticides, fertilizers, mercury, household cleaners, used motor oil (see note below), florescent light bulbs, unused medication, gasoline and antifreeze, to name but a few.
Note: Used motor oil will only be accepted in 5 gallon containers or less. No 55 gallon drums.
Pre-registration is not required unless you are bringing over 200 lbs of waste for disposal. For a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items call Lake County MSU Extension at (231) 745-2732, Osceola-Lake Conservation District at (231) 465-8012 or Mecosta Conservation District at (231) 796-0909 Ext. 3, or go to our website at www.mecostacd.org or www.osceolalakecd.org. This project is supported by the Mecosta and Osceola-Lake Conservation Districts, Lake, Mecosta and Osceola County MSU Extension, Michigan Water Stewardship “Clean Sweep” Program, local units of government, municipalities, businesses, organizations, foundations and individual donations.