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211 West Ganson, Suite 200 Jackson Michigan 49201 517-782-7404 |
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Jackson County Conservation District programs and services are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, weight, height, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. |
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Jackson County Conservation District E-Mail sharon.parker@mi.nacdnet.net |
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Jackson County Conservation District |
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Our History and Mission
Established in 1948, the District is a locally controlled agency of State government operating under Soil Conservation District Law 297---P.A. 1937 as amended. JCCD is one of 79 county Conservation Districts throughout Michigan (There are 83 counties in Michigan, but a few counties have combined Conservation District offices). Michigan's Conservation Districts are unique local units of State government that utilize state, federal and private sector resources to solve today's conservation problems. The guiding philosophy of all Conservation Districts is that decisions on conservation issues should be made at the local level, by local people, with technical assistance provided by government.
The types of programs and staff at each Conservation District in Michigan vary greatly because of the diversity in landscape and natural resource problems and needs. In Jackson County, the District serves as a “gateway” to conservation services and information relevant to our area. We work in partnership with others organizations to establish local conservation priorities, develop and distribute educational materials, and provide technical assistance. The mission of the Conservation District reads:
The District is a locally elected nonpartisan entity of state government, whose purpose is to promote wise land use decisions, based upon the capability of the natural resources of Jackson County, through technical assistance and education.
The District is NOT a regulatory agency. We provide education and technical assistance to residents of Jackson County.
Who Works for the Conservation District?
JCCD is administered by an elected board of five directors that oversees the District staff. County residents vote in an annual election to fill any open District director positions. The day-to-day operations of JCCD are managed by the office Administrator, Sharon Parker. The District also employs staff that work for specific grant-funded programs.
Cecilia Govrik is the Watershed Coordinator for the Upper Grand River Implementation Project (UGRIP). Cecilia works to educate the public about watershed issues and promote watershed protection in problem areas of the Upper Grand River Watershed.
Mike Rubley is the Groundwater Technician with the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP). Mike works with agricultural producers to reduce the risks of groundwater contamination associated with the use of pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers.
Zac Smith is the Specialist for the Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative (CTAI). Zac works with landowners to implement conservation practices under the USDA’s Farm Bill.
Lori Fitzgibbons, Administrative Program Assistant.
Ron Parker maintains our website and assists with special projects
To make things a little more confusing, the Conservation District shares office space with the federal USDA—Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Andrew Gust is the District Conservationist with NRCS. Andrew works with producers throughout the county to develop conservation plans for their operations and enroll them in federal cost-share programs that assist with implementing Best Management Practices to protect soil and water resources.
The Jackson County Conservation District, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, work for you and the community to achieve natural resource management for improved water quality, reduced soil erosion, farmland preservation, wetland preservation, wildlife habitat, clean air, energy conservation, and land beautification. Please contact us for more information about our programs and services—we are here to help you! |
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What Exactly is the Jackson County Conservation District?
The Jackson County Conservation District (JCCD or District) has been in existence for 60 years now in Jackson County! Yet, we regularly meet people who have never heard of our organization or know very little about what we actually do. We thought we’d take this opportunity to introduce ourselves a little better. |