Conservation district to host environmental assurance program
Published 9:47 am Friday, August 16, 2019
JONES — The Cass County Conservation District’s Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program will be hosting its annual Field Day Event on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Crane Pond Michigan Department of Natural Resources Headquarters in Jones. The event will also be sponsored by The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy.
This year’s theme will focus on managing woodlots and forests for health and profit, according to district officials. Bruce Mackellar, of Michigan State University Extension, will be giving a talk on how to navigate through the complexities of timber tax and how to make a profit from woods. Cheryl Nelson, from the Forest Health Response Team of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, will be speaking on general forest best management practices. Additionally, Eleanor Serocki, of the Southwest By Southwest Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, will be discussing invasive species and weeds, and how they can be treated through chemical and mechanical means.
The event will be worth 2 RUP (Restricted use pesticide) points and will count as a phase 1 event towards MAEAP verification. Additionally, Bruce Howe, with the SWMLC, will present an update on the Jones Area Conservation Plan.
Following the program, there will be a dinner sponsored by Cass County Farm Bureau. To RSVP, call Erez Brandvain, the Cass County MAEAP technician, at (269) 228-7084 or email him at Erez.Brandvain@macd.org.