The Van Buren Conservation District provides education, technical assistance, partnerships, and contacts for local resources to help our residents conserve their lands and our environment for a cleaner, healthier, and economically stronger Van Buren County.

Every few years, the Van Buren Conservation District (VBCD) looks for feedback about natural resources and conservation in our county. This survey helps us prioritize the most important needs identified by our residents, helping us to promote and implement voluntary conservation.

This survey can be completed online or by paper copy. For a paper copy, please contact the VBCD at 269-657-4030x5 , stop by the office, or visit www.VanBurenCD.org. Completed surveys can be emailed to alison.brucks@mi.nacdnet.net, or mailed or dropped off at the VBCD office at 1035 E. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079.

All responses will be kept anonymous. Please complete surveys by April 30, 2020.

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* 1. How do you live, work, or play in Van Buren County? (Check all that apply.)

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* 2. Which natural areas do you use in Van Buren County?

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* 3. Rank (#1-4) the land and water sources in Van Buren County based on the importance to the community with #1 being the most important resource:

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* 4. Check the top 3 water quality (groundwater, lakes, streams, ponds, wetlands) priorities the VBCD should focus on in the next 5 years:

  City / Village stormwater runoff Drinking water / Groundwater Farmland water runoff Invasive species Lakes / ponds Rivers / streams Septic systems Waste management / recycling opportunities Wetlands
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* 5. Check the top 3 forests / woodland priorities the VBCD should focus on in the next 5 years:

  Invasive species Forest loss due to housing, business, and farmland development Sustainable forest management Plant and wildlife habitat Recreation / hunting access
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* 6. Check the top 3 agriculture / farmland priorities the VBCD should focus on in the next 5 years:

  Animal manure (best practices) Farm chemicals / fertilizers (proper use and disposal) Farmland preservation Pollinator / wildlife habitat Soil erosion / soil loss Water quality / runoff Water use / irrigation
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* 7. Check the top 3 non-farmed lands (backyards, prairies, meadows, open lands) priorities the VBCD should focus on in the next 5 years:

  Invasive species Non-farmed land loss due to housing, business, and farmland development Pollinator populations Recreational / hunting access Wetlands Wildlife habitat
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* 8. Check the top 3 quality of life / human behavior priorities the VBCD should focus on in the next 5 years:

  Agriculture tourism Household chemicals (proper use and disposal) Invasive species / native plants Lawn and garden Land recreation (biking hiking, hunting, etc.) Parks and open spaces Recycling / household garbage (curbside, transfer stations, special collections) Septic systems Water recreation (boating, fishing, paddling, etc.) Water runoff (rain barrels, rain gardens)
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* 9. Recycling and waste management has been a top priority for improvement throughout Van Buren County. Please rank (#1-5) the following with #1 being the most important that you feel the VBCD should focus on regarding recycling programs.

  Business / restaurant recycling programs Increased curbside recycling in villages / cities Increased transfer station recycling opportunities for township residents School recycling programs Year-round household chemical / hazardous waste drop-off facility
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* 10. The Van Buren Conservation District provides the following programs and services. Which are you aware of and / or have participated in? (Check all that apply)

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* 11. What additional actions, programs, and services would you like the Van Buren Conservation District to add to help you, your land, and the community?

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* 12. What is the 5-digit zip code of your home / residence or main property in Van Buren County? If you do not own property in VBC please use your home zip code.

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* 13. Select the setting that best describes your home / property in Van Buren County: (Check all that apply.)

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* 14. How do you prefer to receive information on programs and services available through the Van Buren Conservation District? (Check all that apply.)

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* 15. Please add 3 other comments on how the Van Buren Conservation District can better our services:

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* 16. Would you like to receive emails from the Van Buren Conservation District about the results of the survey, events, and programs?

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* 17. Please leave your name and email address if you would like to further correspondence: 

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