About Us

Our History

The Chippewa Conservation District was established on June 27, 1949.  On October 1, 1952 the Chippewa Conservation District took on the eastern half of Mackinac County to become the Chippewa East Mackinac Conservation District. In 2009 the District celebrated 60 years of service to the landowners of Chippewa and Mackinac Counties.  In July of 2012, the Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District merged with the Luce/West Mackinac Conservation District to form the Chippewa/Luce/Mackinac Conservation District. The District now includes all of Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac Counties.

The number of employees actively working on projects and programs in our District fluctuates depending on the number of federal, state, and local grants made available to the District.  We have been fortunate to receive a number planning and implementation grants dealing with watersheds, water quality, soil protection, invasive plants and insects, and farming enhancements.

Land Acknowledgment

The Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District acknowledges that the lands we serve are the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary homelands of the Anishinaabe people, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. We recognize the sovereignty of the Bay Mills Indian Community, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, who have lived in, stewarded, and cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial.

We honor their deep connection to the natural world and commit to fostering relationships that support Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, and conservation. We acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonization and strive to work in partnership with Indigenous communities to protect and restore our shared natural resources for future generations.

Conservation Districts

Conservation Districts are local units of government consisting of a locally-elected board of directors with small staffs who help landowners and communities with managing their natural resources, including forests, farms, water bodies, and wetlands.  Districts originated in the Dust Bowl days to help farmers improve land management practices to conserve critical soils needed for crop production.  Districts have evolved to help with forestry, fisheries and wildlife, and other natural resource management issues.

Michigan's Conservation Districts work to preserve natural resources through education, research, and direct remediation of key areas.  Conservation Districts are supported by state, federal, and private grants, and through their own fundraising efforts - especially the annual tree sale.  District boards and staff are people committed to conserving our renewable resources.

District Staff

The number of employees actively working on projects and programs in our District fluctuates depending on the number of federal, state, and local grants made available to the District.  We have been fortunate to receive a number planning and implementation grants dealing with watersheds, water quality, soil protection, invasive insects, and farming enhancements.

Board of Directors

As local, special purpose units of government, each Conservation District is governed by a locally elected, five-member board of directors. The guiding philosophy of Michigan Conservation Districts is that local people should make decisions on conservation issues at the local level, with technical assistance provided by government.

The Board of Directors for the Chippewa/Luce/Mackinac Conservation District meets each month.  The meetings are open to the public.  Check our calendar of events for monthly postings of board meetings and events.  You are welcome to attend these meetings and become involved in the many programs and projects in our District.

NRCS Staff in Sault Ste. Marie Office

The Natural Resources Conservation Service has two positions serving landowners in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.  Madeleine Cantu is the District Conservationist and E. Patrick Carr (better known as Pat) is the Soil Conservation Technician for the District.