Michigan Conservation District Association Calls for Increased Funding to Support Farmers and Natural Resource Conservation

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Executive Director of the Michigan Conservation District Association stated that stable operational funding would help enhance conservation outcomes for farmers and the state's natural resources.

Rivkah Hodgkinson pointed out that the current $3 million state allocation distributed among 75 conservation districts has limited effectiveness in maintaining a stable workforce. She stated, "A hidden cost of underfunding conservation districts is staff turnover due to the grant-dependent nature of the funding."

Hodgkinson emphasized that high turnover rates could impact project effectiveness and the ability to secure local and federal grants. She added, "We are losing investment dollars, and this trend is expected to continue and intensify."

For comparison, she recently informed the Michigan House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee that many neighboring states invest between $8 million and $20 million in their conservation districts.

The association has requested Michigan lawmakers to provide $13 million annually in operational funding to support a district manager and technician for each conservation district.

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