Current Programs

Sediment and Phosphorus Reduction

The MACC received a Great Lakes Commission grant in October 2019. The goal of this project is to reduce sediment and phosphorus loading into Lake Macatawa by implementing agricultural best management practices (BMPs).  BMPs included in the grant are cover crops and grassed waterways. We plan to install 1,450 acres of cover crops and 4,000 feet of grassed waterway. Combined, these practices will keep about 700 tons of sediment and 1,100 pounds of phosphorus out of Lake Macatawa each year. This project is in partnership with the ODC Network and Project Clarity. The grant will provide over $156,000 to install BMPs and Project Clarity will provide an additional $13,500 in local dollars. Participating producers will be responsible for 5% of the cost. Interested producers should contact Environmental Program Manager Kelly Goward for more information: kelly@outdoordiscovery.org or 393-9453.

 

Project Clarity

The ODC Network launched the Project Clarity initiative in 2013 to accelerate water quality restoration in the Macatawa Watershed. The initiative included a private fundraising campaign to support BMP implementation to improve water quality. An Agricultural Committee, supported by MACC and ODC Network staff, reviews applications and approves funding for agricultural BMPs. Farmers wishing to apply for Project Clarity funding can download and fill out this application, or contact Kelly Goward for more information (see above).