Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)
Started in 1998, the MAEAP is a comprehensive, confidential, proactive program designed to reduce farmers' and forest landowners' legal and environmental risks through a three-phase process: (1) education; (2) on-site specific risk assessments and practice implementation; and (3) verification that ensures the farmer or forest landowner has implemented environmentally sound practices. The program covers four systems: Farmstead, Cropping, Livestock, and the Forest, Wetlands, and Habitat System.
After an initial field assessment, your MAEAP technician will develop a plan to address all identified conservation opportunities and resource concerns on your property. Depending on your needs, this plan might include a review of chemical or pesticide storage, manure storage, erosion control, nutrient usage, record keeping, manure storage, and management practices relating to areas on the farm with woodlands, wetlands, and other types of managed habitats.
After becoming MAEAP verified, a farm or forest landowner can display a MAEAP sign signifying that MAEAP partners recognize the farm as environmentally assured. Participation in this program is completely free, voluntary, and confidential.
To get started, visit maeap.org or request a visit with Schoolcraft's MAEAP technician.
After an initial field assessment, your MAEAP technician will develop a plan to address all identified conservation opportunities and resource concerns on your property. Depending on your needs, this plan might include a review of chemical or pesticide storage, manure storage, erosion control, nutrient usage, record keeping, manure storage, and management practices relating to areas on the farm with woodlands, wetlands, and other types of managed habitats.
After becoming MAEAP verified, a farm or forest landowner can display a MAEAP sign signifying that MAEAP partners recognize the farm as environmentally assured. Participation in this program is completely free, voluntary, and confidential.
To get started, visit maeap.org or request a visit with Schoolcraft's MAEAP technician.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
First established in response to the Dust Bowl, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), run through the USDA, offers farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural landowners technical and financial assistance. The goal of the NRCS is to help these landowners implement conservation practices that will improve both environmental quality and operations.
Financial assistance is available through the NRCS for the implementation of numerous conservation practices, including reduced contamination from agricultural sources, efficient nutrient management, improved soil health, tree planting, invasive species control, and implementation of climate-smart practices. The service also offers free technical advice to agricultural landowners concerned about resource use, management, and monitoring; and operational efficiency.
Visit nrcs.usda.gov to learn more.
Financial assistance is available through the NRCS for the implementation of numerous conservation practices, including reduced contamination from agricultural sources, efficient nutrient management, improved soil health, tree planting, invasive species control, and implementation of climate-smart practices. The service also offers free technical advice to agricultural landowners concerned about resource use, management, and monitoring; and operational efficiency.
Visit nrcs.usda.gov to learn more.
Partner Program Contacts
Holly Wendrick-Moss, MAEAP Technician
(906) 428-1060 Ext. 122
[email protected]
www.maeap.org
Holly is an MAEAP technician who serves farmers and landowners across the central UP. Based out of the Delta Conservation District office, Holly works with landowners in both Delta and Schoolcraft Counties to assess and develop their resource use and management. As an experienced specialist, she's ready to guide you step by step through the MAEAP verification process.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Mike Van Wyk, District Conservationist
(906) 428-1060 Ext. 3
[email protected]
Mike helps Schoolcraft and Delta County landowners develop conservation plans, and he provides advice on all phases of the Farm Bill’s recommended voluntary conservation practices. As a USDA district conservationist, he works with landowners through conservation planning and technical assistance designed to benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems.
(906) 428-1060 Ext. 122
[email protected]
www.maeap.org
Holly is an MAEAP technician who serves farmers and landowners across the central UP. Based out of the Delta Conservation District office, Holly works with landowners in both Delta and Schoolcraft Counties to assess and develop their resource use and management. As an experienced specialist, she's ready to guide you step by step through the MAEAP verification process.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
Mike Van Wyk, District Conservationist
(906) 428-1060 Ext. 3
[email protected]
Mike helps Schoolcraft and Delta County landowners develop conservation plans, and he provides advice on all phases of the Farm Bill’s recommended voluntary conservation practices. As a USDA district conservationist, he works with landowners through conservation planning and technical assistance designed to benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems.