We in the USDA building located at 1127 E. State Street, Cassopolis MI. Come on in to see us Monday through Thursday between 8 am and 4:30 pm (Fridays by appointment only).
Need to reach us by phone?
Our number is once again 269-445-8641 extension 5.
Soil Erosion permits may be obtained online at cassccdistrict.org under the SESC tab. Please mail the completed application to 1127 E. State Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031 with payment fee. For plan reviews, our Specialist will be available by appointment only.
click here to find the latest blog post if not visible on left tab. Below please follow the links to important information and details of the programs available from our office when we reopen.
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Board of Directors Happenings:
Good morning Cass County! Our annual meeting is coming up on 2 December at the Pokagon Band Community Center in Dowagiac from 5-8 pm. This year we will be voting to fill 2 board of directors seats.
Let’s get to know them!
My name is Kenneth Chemers. I have owned a house on Big Fish Lake in Marcellus for 34 years. My wife and I have been full time residents for 3 years. I am Chair of the Marcellus Township Planning Commission. I spent 14 years on the Frankfort, Illinois Plan Commission. I am a member of the Marcellus High School Athletic Boosters. I am also Vice President of the Big Fish Lake Property Owners Association and have been a member of the board for 20 years.
My interest in the Cass County Conservation District is the protection of the many lakes we have in the region. I feel as a member of the board I can contribute greatly to the preservation and protection of these lakes.
I am Lois Koel. Two things strongly influenced me as a young person. Watching my uncle’s health decline from organophosphate poisoning and reading the book “Silent Spring”.
This is why I’m keenly interested in promoting regenerative agriculture and native plant landscaping. My education in this area was provided mainly by Angelic Organics in Illinois, Michael Fields Institute, SW Badger and New Farmer U in Wisconsin.
I enjoy volunteering for environmental or social groups like the Victory Garden Initiative or Urban Ecology Center and I’m currently a member of the CCCD board, Cass County Materials Management Planning Working Group, and Van Buren County Climate Action Team.
My name is Cindra Mikel. I have lived in Cass County most of my life. I lived on our little vegetable farm for 49 years. We grew vegetables, greens and sold them at our little stand on Diamond Lake.
I have worked for the USDA/NASDA for 34 years interviewing farmers and anyone involved with agriculture. I gathered all amounts and kinds of chemicals, fertilizers, etc. used on farms. I belong to and volunteer at the VFW, Moose lodge, Americal legion, COA, and Diamond Lake Missionary Church.
I want to keep our waters and land safe for our children by joining the CCCD. I can accomplish that.
We look forward to seeing you there! Voting will be from 5-7 pm.
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2025 CASS COUNTY PLAT BOOKS are in!
We were able to keep our book at the same rate from 2020, so only $32 each. Grab your copy today while they are still hot!
Available at the Cass County Conservation District Office 1127 East State Street Cassopolis Michigan 49031 Hours when we are not out in the field M-F 8am-4:30pm Call 269-445-8641 x 5 to ensure we are in the office to assist you.
Community members are a encouraged to join board meetings and become associate board members supporting progress in the Conservation District mission of protecting and restoring our shared natural resources.
Help us spread the word. Share this or call us if you would like some copies to share.
Thank you!
SESC With rain sadly brings erosion especially in the spring and summer. We try our best to inform and guide those working on projects near lakes and streams to take precautions for such rain events by placing silt fence, filter sock, erosion control blankets and other tools but, too often folks are simply not aware of this need and start without them. Unpermitted projects are also charged double the applicable permit fee which is upsetting to those unaware of the program. However, this permit process is very important as it allows reflection to the impact a project might have on the neighboring properties and shared water resources and plans erosion controls which can protect them. Besides the SESC permit there are other permits required for some projects such as work in the road right of way, seawall permits, and of course building permits. Our office has updated a Land Development poster which outlines all the various permits which may be needed for different projects – please take a peek and share with others so they will be prepared to start their project with proper permits, set-backs, and controls in place.
Recycling Cass County has joined efforts with VanBuren & Berrien Counties to create a Materials Management Plan. If you are interested in their meetings or would like to help plan a special recycling collection please contact our office at 269-445-8641 x 5 or the Cass County Administration Office 269-445-4421.
Hike w/a Naturalist Series – The Tuesday night Hike with a Naturalist events will restart soon!! The hikes always shed light on some aspect of our north eastern woodland, pond, or creek habitat. All hikes start at 5:30pm unless otherwise noted. This year’s hikes will be held on the 3rd Tuesdays at various locations around the County. All other Tuesdays will be a workday/general hike at Lawless Park. The work will include some maintenance of the monarch waystation, trail trimming and any other project(s) the Parks Department may request. We will then hike and share information regarding species etc. among those who are attending. Hope you can join us and share your knowledge too!
Vernal pond search begins in March! Listen for wood frogs and report public site locations to us so we can do some in-depth look at the location and begin vernal pond monitoring – text Korie at 269-845-8393.
Please be aware our office is co-located with NRCS and will follow all Federal USDA guidelines as they develop. Currently, our office has opened up for “in-person” activities. However, if that changes communications with the Cass County Conservation District can be made by emailing staff and or/leaving a message at 269-445-8641 x 5 with your name, phone number and email address if you prefer. Someone will be in the office each day and will direct your message to the proper staff who will get back with you as soon as possible. Some staff are working from home and in the field, there may be temporary delays to access to them but, we will try to ensure limited interruptions in our service to you.
The Cass County Conservation District is always looking for community support with events and programs. Please contact the district at 269-445-8641 x 5 for exciting volunteer and internship opportunities.
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program
MAEAP-verified farms keep their land, water and air as healthy as the food they produce. They represent the highest standards of environmental stewardship and responsible agriculture.
MAEAP is a three-phrase process: 1) Education, 2) Risk assessment & management changes, 3) State of Michigan verification.
Look for MAEAP signs throughout the County. For more information about MAEAP verification contact our office at 269-445-8641 x 5 – we currently do not have a MAEAP Technician but can assist in starting your verification process.
The SW x SW Corner CISMA is a grant funded program that covers Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties in Southwest Michigan. The CISMA works to preserve natural ecosystem functions through the responsible management of invasive species on a landscape scale. In order to achieve this, the primary focus of the project is mapping & surveying invasive species populations, education, and maintaining a strategic plan to properly manage and eradicate invasive species.
An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm to Michigan’s economy, environment and human health. Species like poison ivy or Virginia creeper may not be our favorites, but they are native to Michigan, and play an important part in our environment!
Contact Alex Florian, Invasive Species Coordinator, to help with identification, reporting, and proper management by calling 269-633-9044 or emailing invasivesed@vanburencd.org.
Our local volunteer, Bill Westrate and invasive specialist may also be available to answer your questions about invasive species and help identify plants and insects on your property. Call 269-445-8641 x 5 and ask to leave a message for Bill so, he can connect with you if you are stumped about some new species on your property.
Cass County Conservation District is funded by State & Local government grants/support, donations, program sponsorship, and product sales (plat books, trees and tree supplies). In order to better serve our community we need your support too.
Volunteers are an integral part of accomplishing the Conservation District goals. Assistance is needed at the office, with the invasive species program, stream monitoring projects, at special events, preparations for Tree Sale and more. Please consider donating some time to your local District. Call today to get on mail list and provide your contact information and areas of interest – we appreciate your concern for the environment and willingness to lend a hand.
