The Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District honors three at their 76th Annual Meeting

CEDARVILLE, MI — On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District (CLMCD) held its 76th Annual Meeting at Les Cheneaux Distillers in Cedarville, Michigan. The event featured the presentation of the District’s annual awards: Land Steward of the Year, Cooperator of the Year, and MAEAP Landowner of the Year. A keynote address followed by Jack Tuomikoski, Fisheries Division Manager for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

Mr. Tuomikoski spoke about the Tribe’s efforts to restore lake whitefish populations in the Carp River and reintroduce manoomin (wild rice) to local waterways—an important ecological and cultural initiative.

The evening began with a dedication in memory of Board Chair Jane Bishop, who passed away suddenly on March 25, 2025. CLMCD Executive Director Michael McCarthy delivered the tribute, stating, “Jane was a kind, caring person with a heart of gold. She loved her kids, grandkids, and horses fiercely.” Mrs. Bishop served on the CLMCD board for over 20 years, including terms as Chair and Vice Chair, and also represented the region on the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts Executive Council. Her unwavering passion for conservation left a lasting legacy on the organization and the communities it serves.

The 2024 Land Steward of the Year award was presented to Gary Reid of Clark Township. Mr. Reid has dedicated years of personal effort and resources to sustainably manage his forested property. His conservation work includes wildlife habitat enhancement, sustainable timber management, and the planting of both hard and soft mast species. Mr. Reid also inspires others in his community to adopt similar practices. In accepting the award, he emphasized the vital partnership between himself, CLMCD, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. CLMCD congratulates Mr. Reid and thanks him for his dedication to land stewardship.

The 2024 Cooperator of the Year award was presented to Stephanie Boileau, Engineer with the Chippewa County Road Commission. Ms. Boileau was recognized for her commitment to incorporating conservation principles into road construction projects. CLMCD and the Road Commission have successfully completed a joint project and continue to collaborate on securing grant funding for future work. This partnership supports the development of sustainable road-stream crossings that not only improve infrastructure durability but also enhance aquatic connectivity and reduce sedimentation. In her remarks, Ms. Boileau stated, “I’m honored to receive this award, but it belongs to the 70+ men and women of the Road Commission. They’re the ones out there doing the work and maintaining our county’s infrastructure.”

The 2024 MAEAP Landowner of the Year award went to Nick and Emily Cassel of Sault Ste. Marie. The Cassels manage a 60-acre property in Chippewa County with a strong commitment to conservation. They have implemented a Forest Management Plan, participated in USDA Farm Bill programs, and developed a small orchard, pollinator habitat, and vegetable gardens with sustainability in mind. The Cassels are pursuing verification through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), with plans to complete the process in 2025. When asked about their motivation, they shared, “It’s for our daughter Beverly. We want her to grow up with a land ethic and access to fresh vegetables grown right at home.”

The evening concluded with fellowship among nearly 85 attendees and a silent auction, which raised funds to help offset the cost of the dinner.