In April 2013, the Van Buren Conservation District completed a three-year project funded by a $806,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality through the U.S. EPA Federal Clean Water Act.  The focus of the project was wetland protection and restoration, and built off  the watershed management plans developed for the Paw Paw and Black River Watersheds.  The projects three main focus areas include:

• Wetland Protection: Grant funds were used to permanently protect over 850 acres, 420 of which are existing wetlands.
• Wetland Restoration: Approximately 70 acres of land that has been drained in the past was restored to wetland conditions.
• Outreach & Education:  Brochures, newsletters and other outreach materials were developed and distributed to educate landowners and municipal officials about the importance of preserving and restoring wetlands.  A variety of workshops and field days were also held.

Questions? Please contact Watershed Coordinator, Erin Fuller at 269-218-0199 or watershed@vanburencd.org.