What is a Soil and Water Conservation District?

Across the United States, nearly 3,000 conservation districts – almost one in every county – are helping local people conserve land, water, forests, wildlife, and related natural resources.

Conservation districts were originally formed during the days of the Dust Bowl to combat the severe erosion problems caused by intense farming practices. Conservation districts are local units of state government, created to establish conservation programs for the wise use of natural resources by current and future generations. Though all soil and water conservation districts are committed to conservation, each has its own specific goals and objectives.

Led locally by a governing board of three (3) elected and two (2) appointed Supervisors who volunteer their time and expertise, along with two (2) full-time employees, the Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District is uniquely qualified to mold itself to meet the needs of the local community.