‘Bill Cancels Conservation Projects in Northwest Michigan’

TL/DR –

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) has dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars annually to support conservation on farms and in rural areas since 2014. However, supplementary funding made available by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 was rescinded when President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, impacting conservation projects. The Grand Traverse Band, who had planned to use funding for a conservation project, is appealing the termination of its funds and seeking reimbursement for the $450,000 it spent preparing for the project.

RCPP Conservation Efforts Hit by Funding Cuts

The RCPP, established in the 2014 Farm Bill, has annually devoted significant funding to collaborative projects promoting conservation on farms and rural areas. Although its program is intact, the supplementary funding it secured through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act was largely rescinded with the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2026, causing strain in regions such as northwest lower Michigan.

USDA representatives and US Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, were unavailable to comment on the funding cuts. The Grand Traverse Band has lodged an appeal with the USDA, stating that it did not follow correct procedure in withdrawing the funds and requesting a $450,000 reimbursement.

The additional funds, provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, enabled the Grand Traverse Band and its partners to progress conservation efforts that had been ongoing for nearly a decade. These efforts focused on river restoration and land conservation, according to John F. Petoskey, General Counsel for the band.

Working alongside the Leelanau Conservancy, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, and Conservation Resource Alliance, the band was planning to leverage the award into a $40 million investment for conserving local land and waterways. The approach promoted stream restoration and the preservation of prime agricultural land which could otherwise be developed.

Jennifer Jay, Communications Director for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, highlighted the key role of these funds in supporting rural farmers, ensuring land conservation, maintaining groundwater supplies, and preserving agricultural heritage. The initiative also intended to prevent soil erosion and fertilizer runoff, focusing on more than two dozen streams in the region.

However, this funding removal has largely halted these conservation efforts. Kari Cohen, founder of Nine Steps Consulting and former RCPP administrator, expressed disappointment over the loss of over $2 billion in conservation funding. “Almost all that money is supposed to go out on the ground: to farmers, ranchers, landowners. It’s not money that’s going to organizations to do so-called climate work,” Cohen commented.

Appeal and Future Prospects Uncertain

While winning an appeal may be challenging, Petoskey remains hopeful that some, if not all, of the $20 million award may be reauthorized by Congress for RCPP in 2026. Despite the setback, Conservation Resource Alliance Executive Director Suzie Knoll affirmed their commitment to continue working towards their conservation goals.

“We will continue working in good faith with federal agencies, local leaders, and landowners to advance our shared goals: protecting natural resources, supporting rural communities, and safeguarding the economic and ecological vitality of northern Michigan,” Knoll stated.

However, the lack of additional funding from the rescinded Inflation Reduction Act may result in smaller future awards. Despite this, Cohen points out that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has increased RCPP’s annual funding from $300 million to $425 million, set to rise to $450 million starting in 2027.

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