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Read on for more information about us including:

• Our History

• Who we Are and When we Meet

• Past projects

• Our Annual Tree Sale

Or click on one of the buttons that most aligns with your interests.

We at the HKCD look forward to being of assistance.

History

In 1937, as a result of the dust bowl, President Roosevelt sent a Standard State Soil Conservation Districts Law to to each of the states’ governors, encouraging them to approve legislation to establish soil and water conservation districts. The purpose of these conservation districts was to work with programs provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to help land owners better manage their soil and prevent erosion. Later, conservation districts were tasked to work with people in their local communities on all aspects of natural resource conservation.

In 1937, Michigan passed the Soil Conservation District Law Act 297 P.A. 1937. The HKCD was established in 1951 as a local unit of government and part of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

By law, conservation districts are required to have a five person elected board of citizens from their county or counties. HKCD has a five person elected board including citizens from Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. The HKCD board has regular public meetings, usually monthly. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please attend a monthly meeting, or contact us by phone or email for more information.

Board of Directors

Tom Collins, Chairperson and Treasurer

Doug McKenzie, Vice Chair

Rachel Tarpey, Secretary

Steve Siira, Trustee

Arthur Vasold, Trustee

Gina Nicholas, Preserve Associate Director

Staff

Matthew Mendoza - District Manager
(906) 482-0214
Matthew.mendoza@macd.org

Joash Pfeiffelman - District Forester
(906) 319-0060
Joash.pfeiffelman@macd.org

Meetings

As of the October 16th board meeting, our board meetings will be held on the third or Friday of every month at 12:00 PM, unless otherwise specified. HKCD meetings are public meetings and everyone is welcome. Come by to hear about what is going on with the HCKD and provide input on what you would like to see from us.

Meetings are normally held at the City of Houghton City Center Council Chambers at 616 Shelden Ave, Houghton, MI 49931. The dates for the meetings this calendar year can be found below. Please note, if public schools are closed due to inclement weather, the HKCD monthly meeting will be canceled.

Meeting Schedule for 2025

EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its programs or activities.

Annual Tree Sale

No updates yet for the 2026 tree sale.

Please sign-up for our mailing list if you would like to receive updates about our tree sale and upcoming catalog.

Additional information can be found on our Tree Sale page.

Projects

Since 2013, the HKCD has worked on projects including:

• Eagle River Watershed Management Plan

• Central 1 and Central 2 Stamp Sands Stabilization

• Cliff Mine Stamp Sands Stabilization

• Hills Creek Floodplain Stamp Sand Stabilization

• Winona Mine Stamp Sand Stabilization

• Pilgrim River Watershed Management Plan

• Community conservation education and activities

Partners

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service

Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area

Houghton County Board of Commissioners

Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

American Bird Conservancy

Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition