Mr. Brown was elected Chair of the AMCD Board of Directors for 2026.
"We’re not here to lecture. We’re here to problem-solve together."
Turning Knowledge into Action by Doug Brown
Mr. Brown was elected Chair of the AMCD Board of Directors for 2026.
"We’re not here to lecture. We’re here to problem-solve together."
Here in Northern Michigan, we are surrounded by something special—working forests, productive farms, abundant wildlife, and communities that genuinely care about the land. At the Alpena–Montmorency Conservation District, we have the privilege of working alongside those people.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how much of this work happens quietly. It happens in conversations at kitchen tables, in woodlots, in farm fields, hunting camps, and at community events. It happens when people ask good questions and are willing to try something new.
As we head into spring, the Board believes it’s time to share more of that story. Not because we’re changing what we do—but because more people should know that help is available. Many of our services are free, and our goal is simple: to work alongside you. We’re not here to lecture. We’re here to problem-solve together.
We’re excited about the year ahead and look forward to building even stronger partnerships across our communities.
Director spotlight
Skarbek served as Chair of the AMCD Board for part of 2023 and all of 2025.
Meet Ed Skarbek
The staff and directors of Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District (AMCD) thank Ed Skarbek for his years of service as Chair. Following the December 2025 election, Doug Brown was appointed Chair. We are grateful for Skarbek continuing to serve as a director!
Skarbek served as Chair of the AMCD Board for part of 2023 and all of 2025.
Meet Ed Skarbek
The staff and directors of Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District (AMCD) thank Ed Skarbek for his years of service as Chair. Following the December 2025 election, Doug Brown was appointed Chair. We are grateful for Skarbek continuing to serve as a director!
After a day of fishing on Hubbard Lake, AMCD former Chairman Ed Skarbek reflected on his experience working with the Conservation District and partner agencies to improve his property in Atlanta, where he has lived for 55 years.
Skarbek began by contacting AMCD District Forester Dr. Greg Corace, who helped him develop a forest management plan tailored to his goals. With support from AMCD and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Skarbek, with the help of a local forester, completed his project in phases over several years, including planting more than 3,000 trees. Thanks to NRCS cost-share assistance, most of the project costs were reimbursed.
Along the way, Skarbek appreciated the flexibility to try new ideas and learn what works best on his land. He also worked with AMCD staff on water quality, erosion control, and invasive species management.
Raised on a farm, Skarbek values conservation and supports regenerative agriculture efforts through programs like CTAP and MAEAP, which help protect soil and water resources for the future.
Our Programs
Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTAP)
WHY should producers reach out to Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District about the Conservation Technical Assistance Program?
According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, “Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future.”
Growers in Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties can have a technician from our office visit, free of charge, and receive confidential, customized professional advice and consultation, based on the latest science and research, to assist in making informed decisions.
Producers who choose to take the next step in improving their soil health or farm operation by contacting our technician can receive guidance towards additional resources that can help improve their soil health. Our technician can work with them to provide customized recommendations on best management practices with regard to fuel/pesticide use and storage, nutrient management, water use/protection, etc.
Our Conservation Technical Assistance Program Technician, Charlie Doan, is a public service employee whose responsibility it is to deliver outcomes for both the Michigan Agriculture and Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and the Regenerative Agriculture Program (RAP).
On his visit to your property, Charlie will systematically assess your operation and make recommendations about additional best management practices to implement. MAEAP-verified farms receive recognition of their sound management practices and Right to Farm protections if nuisance complaints are filed against them.
Call 989-356-3596 x101 to schedule your free site visit!
Forestry Assistance Program (FAP)
The mission of the Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) is to: “support family forest owners in realizing the economic, social, and ecological sustainability of their forests."
FAP services are free of charge and available to private, non-industrial forest landowners in Alpena or Montmorency County.
Through FAP, the District Forester will, among other things:
· Walk your woods with you and discuss past, current, and potential future forest conditions and related opportunities and limitations
· Listen to your goals and discuss them in the context of the FAP mission
· Discuss practical, site-specific management recommendations and tradeoffs
· Connect you with Federal and State-funded programs and private sector forestry professionals if/when more services are needed.
Landowners meeting certain requirements may wish to participate in the Qualified Forest Program, which provides landowners a property tax reduction in exchange for managing their forests under a management plan they draft with a qualified professional.
Whether you own a few acres or several hundred, FAP can help you make more informed decisions by providing scientific information relevant in a changing world.
Our District Forester, Dr. Greg Corace, is here to serve you.
Michigan’s Hunting Access Program (HAP) offers landowners payment and liability protection in exchange for providing hunters limited access to their property.
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Annual compensation payments up to $25 an acre!
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Opportunity to reduce nuisance wildlife and contribute to wildlife management.
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Landowner liability protection.
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You decide to allow: all species, youth and apprentice, small game, deer, archery only, turkey, or a combination; varies by region.
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Limit the number of hunters at a time.
Preserve Michigan’s hunting tradition and hunter recruitment!
⟶ Must have 20+ acres to apply
⟶ Lease agreements are 2 years and can include forest, wetland, grassland, and cropland cover.
To become a sponsor, you may donate online or mail / bring a check to our office. To donate with a check, please download and complete the sponsorship form. Checks may be made payable to Alpena-Montmorency CD and should indicate in the memo which of the five goals your gift should support:
AMCD has five areas of program growth:
1)High School Envirothon Team Development
2)Doe tag sponsorship for reducing deer herd
3)Outreach education programs for schools, organizations & general public
