Water Quality is very important to residents in Mecosta and Montcalm Counties. Ground and surface water is used for both recreation and for various industries. For that reason we must protect our water for future generations.

Mecosta and Montcalm County Extension Offices were awarded the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program Grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The mission of the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is: To provide information and assessment tools for pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer users which help them identify risks to groundwater associated with their pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer use practices and to coordinate local, state, and federal resources to help individuals reduce those risks. The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is designed to be voluntary, to be locally driven, to address the concerns of individuals, and to maintain a focus on the financial and technical constraints which drive real-world decisions. The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program is relatively narrow in focus addressing only risks to groundwater associated with pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer use. However, it has a wide scope and addresses the many uses of these materials, including agricultural, turfgrass, and household uses.

Assessment tools that are used for educational purposes are Farm*A*Syst, Home*A*Syst, and Lake*A*Syst. These tools help residents determine their risks to groundwater and come up with alternative practices to reduce those risks. These tools can be conducted one on one, in a group setting, or as a workshop/seminar. A trained facilitator is available for all of these options.

 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM
"An Environmentally Comprehensive and Voluntary Program for Michigan Farmers"

Mission Statement: To develop and promote a recognized, voluntary, proactive environmental assurance program, targeted to the agricultural industry, which ensures that producers are engaging in cost-effective pollution prevention practices and are in compliance with environmental regulations. The Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program has joined with the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) to help farms through the MAEAP program. MAEAP is a voluntary, pro-active program designed to reduce producers’ legal and environmental risks of their operation. There are 3 phases of MAEAP: Livestock Operations and Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning, Farmstead, and Cropping. Each phase examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has different environmental impacts. Through each phase, producers will develop and implement economically feasible, effective and environmentally sound pollution prevention practices. MAEAP is designed as a multi-year program allowing producers to meet personal objectives, while best managing both time and resources. For more information about Water Quality, the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program, or the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program contact Christina Curell at the Extension Office.