Local Groups Awarded Conservation Grants

The Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District (CLMCD) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Conservation Grants Program. The 2026 Conservation Grants Program application period closed on March 13 th , 2026 after a 67-day request for proposals period. The 2026 Conservation grants are being used to fund local conservation projects that support wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, pollinator habitat, environmental education, public space cleanup/beautification The following
organizations/individuals are each being awarded with a 2026 grant.

 Drummond Island Township – Drummond Island, MI – Drummond Island Veterans
Memorial Heritage Garden Project – $2,000
 Richard Hank Jr. – Sault Ste Marie, MI – Camp “Thisisit” Conservation and Habitat
Enhancement for Wildlife Project – $1,350
 Lake Superior Academy – Sault Ste Marie, MI – Water Table Project – $1,764
 Portage Township – Curtis, MI – Portage Township Pocket Prairie Phase II: Access,
Education & Community Engagement – $1,635
 Trout Lake Township Pride Organization – Trout Lake, MI – Trout Lake Township Mini-
Park Pavilion – $2,000

The 2026 Conservation Grants request yielded 5 applications requesting just $8,749 in funding
out of the $12,000 available. This year awarded applicants are providing $12,849 in local match
for their projects bringing the grand total of the awarded projects to $21,598.

“Congratulations to our 2026 conservation grants awardees! This year we saw a much lower turn
out of applicants compared to the previous year’s applications. This was the first year we didn’t
actually give away all the money allotted towards the grant program. Said Mike McCarthy
Executive Director of the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District. “We are open to
hearing ideas towards next years grants and how we can meet the needs of our local communities
through these mini grants”

This year unspent money will be allocated towards the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the
Conservation Districts Piche Grasslands and Waishkey River Nature Trails property in Dafter.
Since 2022 the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District has funded 32 local projects
totaling $51,749 through its conservation grants program. Another $50,992 has been provided by
local grantees in the form or cash, volunteer labor, equipment, and donations.

If you or your group/organization are interested in the 2027 Conservation Grants program
applications are available starting in January and close near the first part of March every year.
For more information contact Mike McCarthy at 906-635-1278 or email clmcd@macd.org.