Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program

Water pollution comes from many sources, and some of it comes from farms.  That's why the Hillsdale Conservation District is standing by to help you enroll in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). This program offers assistance and recognition to farmers who reduce erosion and runoff from private land into public waters.

MAEAP is free and voluntary. Everything we learn about your farm is 100% confidential; guaranteed by State Law.

Farmers who earn MAEAP recognition will receive a sign to display at their farm. This sign will show that you are a top steward in your community. You may also benefit from regulatory protections and be at an advantage for additional expert help and cost share.
​Above all, you will earn an enduring sense of pride and accomplishment for your work. 

Click the button below to schedule a Free, 100% confidential visit with your local MAEAP Technician(s).


MAEAP Technician
Hillsdale County
hillsdalecd@macd.org
(517) 825-0163
Kevin Weidmayer
Conservation Specialist Technician
Hillsdale County
kevin.weidmayer@macd.org
(517) 825-0164

What you earn:

  • Recognition as a top steward in the community
  • Regulatory protections
  • Preferred consideration for technical assistance and cost share
  • An enduring sense of accomplishment and pride

We stand behind the MAEAP Promise:

  • The program is 100% confidential, guaranteed by state law
  • We will treat you and your business with respect
  • We are here to assist with the paperwork and red tape
  • We will help you leave a legacy for your children

MAEAP Recognition is:

  • Achievable. Farms have earned over 5,000 verifications across Michigan
  • Something to be proud of. You can be among the top 5% of farms who have earned Verification
MAEAP helps farmers adopt cost-effective practices that reduce erosion and runoff into ponds, streams, and rivers. This, in turn, helps farmers comply with state and federal laws. MAEAP is a voluntary program. We recognize and reward top stewards of the land. This is a state program delivered by Conservation Districts - local leaders you know. MAEAP is available for any Michigan farmer.

There are four categories of recognition: 1.) Farmstead, 2.) Cropping, 3.) Livestock, and 4.) Forest, Wetlands, & Habitat.

MAEAP includes 4 Simple Steps:

1.) Learn

Attend a MAEAP Phase 1 approved Workshop or Field Day, or schedule a private meeting to learn if MAEAP is right for you. Alternately, you can review educational materials at www.maeap.org from the comfort of your own place.

2.) Farm Visit & Recommendations

Invite a MAEAP Technician to tour your farm. The Technician will explain the program and recommend practical steps you can take to reduce erosion and runoff into public waters.
Everything the Technician learns about your farm will remain confidential and will not be shared.

3.) Implement

Do the work at your own pace. Our MAEAP Technicians are here to help you every step of the way. A Technician will help you develop your plan of action, and fill our paperwork. He or she will also steer you to cost share and expert help, if you want.

4.) Recognition

Once the work is complete, you can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. A MAEAP Verifier from MDARD will visit your farm to ensure the recommended practices are in place and address erosion and runoff risks on your land. When the work is done, we will give you a sign to place on your farm and send you a certificate signed by the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.