Who We Are

The Barry Conservation District’s (BCD) mission is to promote responsible natural resource and land-use management for present and future generations. Supported by a locally elected Board of Directors, BCD staff works on a wide variety of conservation, education, and outreach initiatives including forestry, farm practices, invasive species management, water resource conservation, land management, and outdoor recreation.

Our Team

  • Danielle Zoellner

    Executive Director

  • Picture of Ben Savoie District Forester

    Ben Savoie

    District Forester

  • Picture of Rachel Frantz Recycling Coordinator

    Rachel Frantz

    Conservation Technician

  • Picture of Sara Huetteman Invasive Species Coordinator

    Sara Huetteman

    CISMA Coordinator

  • Picture of April Savickas Mile a Minute Weed Program Specialist

    April Savickas

    Program Specialist

  • Sara Kreiger

    MAEAP Technician

  • Strike Team

    Invasive Species Technicians

Crews working on Thornapple River shoreline at Tyden Park April 2004

Our History

In the 107 years between the arrival of the first settlers to Barry County and the adoption of the Michigan Soil Conservation District Law of 1937, thousands of acres in the county were rendered unfit for farming due to erosion. These “worn out” lands caused people to move away. Schools and businesses were closed as a result. Idled farmland was evident in every township. Recognizing the problem, Barry County Agricultural Agent Harold J. Foster joined with the Farm Bureau and others interested in promoting conservation and formed the Barry Soil Conservation District in November 1944. The District encompasses all of Barry County, including townships, cities and incorporated villages.

Over the years, the role of the Barry Conservation District has evolved somewhat. The district now works closely with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to bring cost-share programs to local farmers implementing soil, water, and habitat conservation practices. Additionally, the district developed partnerships with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to provide resource conservation assistance to both farming and non-farm landowners.

In 1975, the District’s name was changed to the Barry Soil and Water Conservation District to recognize the importance of water as a resource. By 1999, when the District’s Board of Directors completed a new resource assessment, they recognized that many other resources including forestland, grasslands, wetlands, and certain declining plant and animal species needed attention. By changing their name to the Barry Conservation District, the Board expressed the increasingly broad conservation challenges created by a developing community.

Board of Directors

  • Professional Picture of David Comeau

    David Comeau

    Board Chair
    Term: 2024 - 2027

  • Marty Buehler

    Vice Chair
    Term: 2023 - 2025

  • Sara Syswerda

    Secretary & Treasurer
    Term: 2023 - 2026

  • Ben Reinhart

    Board Member
    Term: 2023 - 2026

  • Nick Otto

    Board Member
    Term: 2024 - 2025

  • Laurie Phalen

    Associate Board Member
    Term: 2024

Upcoming Board Meetings