WELCOME TO WAYNE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

We are committed to controlling flooding, maintaining healthy rivers, preserving wildlife, protecting public lands, and safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities.

Join the effort to save Michigan’s last great prairie

Sibley Prairie, Michigan’s last great lakeplain prairie, is now at risk after 440 critical acres were nearly lost to development. Learn how a coalition of organizations has a rare chance to save it—and how you can help.

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WCCD's MISSION

The resolution that was passed by Wayne County voters in 1969 stated that the mission of the Conservation District is to: “control flooding, maintain rivers, preserve wildlife, protect public lands, and protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the people in the County.” The establishment of the Wayne County Conservation District (WCCD) fits in well with the preamble of the Home Rule Charter for Wayne County which states: “conservation of the rich natural resources in Wayne County is a county concern.”

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Wood Duck with ducklings ( Lake Erie Metro Park).JPG

WHAT WE DO

The Wayne County Conservation District’s primary work is to protect and preserve the county’s remaining wetlands. Through education and advocacy, we work to safeguard these vital natural areas for the benefit of Wayne County’s residents.

Preserving wetlands helps to reduce the health and safety impacts of flooding. Flooding can cause danger to life and human health issues (e.g., toxic mold, pollutants in the basements of homes) and economic issues such as loss of appliances, personal possessions, cleanup costs, and other costs.

Preserving forested wetlands, especially the rare, imperiled wetlands such as wet-mesic flatwoods, means preserving the habitat for rare species, preserving wildlife, preserving flora, and preserving biodiversity (which is rapidly being lost, due to development).

HISTORY

The State of Michigan recognized Conservation Districts shortly after the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s and passed Conservation District law which established conservation districts as “governmental subdivisions of the State. WCCD is a governmental subdivision of the State, and not a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Read more here.

Flooding was a concern back when the Wayne County Conservation District was established, because so much wetland acreage (which serves as a detention basin for intense storms) had been destroyed or cut down due to intense development in Wayne County, leading to flooding events (e.g., southwest Detroit, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights) in the Lower Rouge River watershed. History repeats itself when we look at the flood events Wayne County experienced in June and July 2021 and seven years earlier in 2014 in these same communities. The reason for the continual flooding can be partially attributed to the continual destruction of wetlands, particularly forested wetlands, which retain stormwater flow and release it over time, thereby reducing the impact of 500-year floods. Pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act request, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), approved 98% of all wetland destruction permit applications during the 2000 – 2020 time period.

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DISCOVER WAYNE COUNTY'S NATURAL BEAUTY

Into the Woods: Find Yourself in State Forests, Parks

Summer and fall blend together come September – this month just may be the most perfect time to get outside! – and one way to make the most of the ideal weather is to treat yourself to time in the woods. With nearly 4 million acres of state forest, not to mention 103 state parks and numerous locally operated recreation areas, there's no shortage of places to recenter and relax in Michigan's forests. "From Belle Isle in downtown Detroit to old-growth hemlock trees in the Porcu

49 minutes ago2 min read

Flow Water Advocates statement on Whitmer administration’s Line 5 tunnel permit decisions.

In a pair of key permit decisions announced today by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regarding Enbridge’s proposed pipeline tunnel through the Straits of Mackinac, the state has failed to carry out its duties under the Michigan Wetlands Protection Act (Part 303), the Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act (Part 325), and the Public Trust Doctrine to protect Michigan wetlands and submerged lands. It has also disregarded over 70,000 public commen

Aug 31 min read

Protecting What Protects Us: New Legislation Aims to Save Michigan’s Remaining Wetlands

In a place like Wayne County—where roughly 95% of the land has already been developed—it’s easy to overlook what once defined the landscape. Before roads and subdivisions, this region was shaped by wetlands that absorbed stormwater, filtered pollution, and provided rich habitat for wildlife. This week, a new legislative effort led by State Representative Julie Brixie, alongside long-standing work by the Wayne County Conservation District (WCCD), is focused on protecting what

Apr 254 min read

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