It’s not breaking news that there’s a lot going on in the country. Keeping up with all of it is nearly impossible. In the midst of it, it’s so important that we don’t miss local elections!

The Ottawa Conservation District is a local unit of government that provides services related to invasive species, agriculture, trees and forestry, native plants, septic systems, water quality, groundwater, and coastal sand dunes, as well as outreach and education.

Water Quality is the priority at Ottawa Conservation District. Through Watershed Restoration Programs, the organization uses recommendations from watershed management plans to address nonpoint source pollutants such as sediment, bacteria, and excess nutrients.

These actions are critical in Michigan.

The Conservation District is directed by a minimum of five Board Directors. These directors guide the work of the District and provide oversight over annual goals, financials, and program direction. Each Board Director serves a four-year term once elected.

Elections are being held for two Board of Director seats on March 10, with early voting available to all Ottawa County residents over the age of 18 until that time (you do not have to be registered to vote). There are four candidates running for these seats.

You can vote in person or pick up a ballot from the Ottawa Conservation District office at 16731 Ferris St, Grand Haven, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. You can also call the office at (616) 842-5852 Ext. 5 to request a ballot to be mailed to you, or email ottawacd@macd.org to request a ballot. Please allow time for the ballot to be mailed to you, and if you mail the completed ballot, do so in time for your ballot to reach the District office by March 10.

If you would like to attend the Annual Meeting and vote there in person, use this link to register: Registration – 2026 OCD Annual Meeting. The meeting costs $10 to attend and includes a taco buffet dinner.

Who to vote for is a personal choice. Please read the Board of Director Candidate Biographies available at 2026 Annual Meeting & Board Director Election | Ottawa County Conservation District and consider relevant experience.

For more information about the Ottawa Conservation District, visit About Us | Ottawa County Conservation District

Photo by Michael Liskey on Unsplash