The Van Buren Conservation District has received grant money to assist municipalities in the Black River Watershed with planning and zoning techniques to protect water quality in the streams and lakes in the watershed, as well as preserve the rural character of this region. As a part of this process, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission has developed a worksheet for local communities to use to evaluate the effectiveness of your master plans and zoning ordinances in protecting water quality and other natural resources. Download the worksheet below. If you have questions, please contact Erin at (269) 657-4030 x5 or by e-mail.