For 82 years, the Benzie Conservation District has managed the lakes, forests, and farms of Benzie County. Now, the district has established an official nonprofit support arm known as the Friends of the Benzie Conservation District.
Expanding Conservation Pressures Across Benzie County
The newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity aims to bolster the district’s ongoing outreach, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. According to Jon Throop, the organization has historically depended on a combination of grants and a voter-supported millage that currently covers roughly one-third of its operational and outreach costs.
That funding model faces strain. “There is a very definite need to grow and expand conservation programming right now,” Throop noted, pointing to new invasive species and new conservation issues across the county’s 57 lakes. Protecting healthy ecosystems before damage occurs remains far more cost-effective than attempting remediation later.
Funding Field Operations and Regional Water Quality
The work of the Benzie Conservation District touches the local landscape. Staff and volunteers monitor stream and lake water quality, operate mobile boat wash stations to curb the spread of aquatic invasive species, and conduct free site visits for local landowners.
“Every donation is tax deductible. Every donation stays regional. Every donor who gives during this launch period will be recognized as a Founding Friend of the BCD,” the organization stated.
Contributions directed to the new nonprofit group will underwrite vital resources, including water quality sampling supplies, seasonal aquatic invasive species and lake monitoring staff, and regional coordination efforts. The board governing the organization includes Bill Anderson as chair, John Collins as treasurer, Leslie Hamp as secretary, alongside directors Steve Stephens and Jon Throop, with Kathy Cole and Anne Rogers serving as friends.
Mapping Wetlands and Engaging Local Volunteers
Beyond water monitoring, the district is rolling out initiatives designed to engage the public and assist developers. A new vernal pool location and monitoring program joins established volunteer opportunities like stream monitoring and river cleanups. Meanwhile, the district is creating a program to map wetlands, which will help landowners and developers recognize them and prevent their accidental destruction.
With the formal establishment of the Friends group, leadership anticipates adding more volunteer activities as the group becomes more established.
Worth a look
Montana’s 1st District Becomes Surprise Toss-Up as Political Divisions Split Families
Montana's 1st Congressional District Shifts to a Toss-Up A toss-up race in deep red Montana territory mirrors a...
Ninth Circuit Clears Idaho to Enforce Abortion Ban Pending Appeal
Ninth Circuit Freezes Injunction, Allowing Idaho to Enforce Abortion Ban in Health-Risk Cases A divided federal appeals court...
Lincoln Secures $11.7 Million Federal Grant to Improve West O Street
Lincoln Secures $11.7 Million for West O Street Safety Overhaul The city of Lincoln has been awarded an...
Morning Keys: Tobin on recovering Amoris Laetitia – Where Peter Is
Cardinal Tobin Assesses Amoris Laetitia Recovery Amid Surgery Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark published a column declaring that...