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Kalamazoo
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Kalamazoo
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Authority & Directorship |
| Conservation Districts are
local governmental subdivisions established under state
law to carry out programs for conservation, use and
development of soil, water and related resources.
Districts are local agencies established to coordinate
and implement conservation and environmental resource
programs at the local level in cooperation with federal
and state agencies. They have demonstrated capabilities
in resource protection, development and management. These
abilities have equipped them to be catalysts in bringing
together facets of the community that will benefit from a
united undertaking to address resource problems and
needs. The Kalamazoo Conservation District was founded in 1947 for "providing local guidance and involvement in the promotion of soil conservation in Kalamazoo County." The District is a local unit of state government which operates under the direction of an elected board of five directors. Directors are elected to three-year terms, by ballot, by legal-aged residents of the county. Directors serve on a voluntary basis, and may receive reimbursement for travel and expenses, but receive no salary. The Board oversees all program activities of the District. |
Meet The Board Of Directors
Dave Alling – Dave Alling serves as Chairman of the Board again this year. Dave makes his home in Alamo Township in partnership with his father and brother. The Allings operate a dairy herd and raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat. Eleven years of service is behind Dave now where the Board looks for his leadership. He is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Potawatomi RC&D, a church trustee, local Dekalb Seed Dealer, and serves on many District committees. Dave is also serving on the FSA County Committee.
Larry Leach – Vice Chairman of the Board, Larry also serves as Treasurer of the MACD, (Michigan Association of Conservation District) He recently stepped down as President. Larry is starting his 15th year with the District having served many positions. Climax Township is where Avalon Farms is located, with agricultural products such as soybeans, seed corn, wheat and hogs. In the community, Larry is known for his work as the Climax Fire Dept. Chief and his membership in the Rotary. Brigette Leach and Larry serve as Superintendents of the Beef Barn at the County Fair with their daughter, Kelly Van Denbos. The family is very involved in Farm Bureau and has recently been accepted into the PDR program.
Matt Skrzypek – As treasurer of the Conservation District, Matt is frequently called upon to drop what he is doing to take care of finances. Making his home in Brady Township, Matt and his family farm over 700 acres of irrigated and dry land crops. Commercial harvesting also takes up much of his time. Involved in many conservation programs, Matt has dedicated hours to BMP’s (Best Management Practices). With wife, Julie, his young family of three active children keep him busy as do his other memberships in local ag groups.
Steve Oswalt – Steve was elected to the Board three years ago and has been an asset to the District despite a hectic schedule with young family and his job as an electrician. The Oswalt name is well known within the ag community. Living in Vicksburg, Steve and his brothers use no till and rotation in their conservation practices.
Trent Piper – The Piper family make their home in Schoolcraft Township with wife, Kyla, and son, Caleb. He has a very active life that includes farming in partnership with his family in Climax Township and St. Joseph County. During the winter hours, Trent works with in family’s Tax Service; Trent’s wife being a CPA. With 3000 acres in production, the Pipers plant no-till beans and corn, seed corn, green beans and feed corn. Trent joined the Board in 1999 for a three year term.
Contact Person
Kathy Buckham
Acting Administrator
Kalamazoo Conservation District
Telephone: (616) 327-1258
Fax: (616) 327-2456
Office Hours: M-F 8:00-4:30