Clare Conservation District Receives Grants

Although budget issues have been a concern for most governmental departments, there has been a light at the end of the tunnel for the Clare Conservation District.  The district was contacted at the beginning of the fiscal year and advised that their hard work has paid off.  The Clare Conservation District was awarded two grants from the Freemont Area Community Foundation from the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund. 

The first grant in the amount of $6,000 will be used for a clean-up project for the portion of the Muskegon River that runs through Clare County.  More specifically, the funds are going to be used to remove more damaging waste than just litter left by campers, canoeing groups or general public.  In addition to removing general litter, the funds are going to be used to remove old tires, scrap metals and any other waste that has been left by the river edges or actually buried and dumped into the river.  Through the help of volunteers and other sponsors, this will hopefully turn into an annual event.

The second grant that was awarded is in the amount of $21,000.  This funding is going to be used for a soil erosion project located in Clare County.  There is a large bank on the Muskegon River that desperately needs attention.  The Conservation District will be using natural methods to encourage growth of native plants and trees as well as preventing future erosion.  Upon completion of this stage, there will be additional efforts to continue the project for other areas and stages of the Muskegon River. 

If you would like any further information or would like to volunteer to help with either of these projects, please contact our office.