What is a Soil & Water Conservation District?
Across the United States, nearly 3,000 Soil & Water Conservation Districts – almost one in every county – are helping local people conserve land, water, forests, wildlife, and related natural resources.
Soil & Water Conservation Districts were originally formed during the days of the Dust Bowl to combat the severe erosion problems caused by intense farming practices.
Soil & Water 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 & Water Conservation Districts are committed to conservation, each has its own specific goals and objectives.
Steuben County Soil & Water Conservation District
The Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was created on December 15, 1948, by a referendum of the people. Their desire was to establish a singular force to ensure that the natural resources of their community would be used wisely and be there for future generations.
The Steuben County SWCD is a subdivision of State Government — an independent body formed under, and subject only, to the Indiana Soil and Water Conservation District Law. The boundaries of a Soil and Water Conservation District in Indiana are by County.
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 SWCD is uniquely qualified to mold itself to meet the needs of the local community.
By law, the Steuben County SWCD is responsible for leadership in the conservation and development of the natural resources in the county. The Steuben County SWCD carries out its role by analyzing needs and developing a long-range plan aimed at solving problems related to soil and water conservation.
The overall concept and real key to the success of a SWCD is self-government. The Steuben County SWCD, through its leading role, seeks out technical, educational, and financial assistance from various organizations and agencies of government, and as a result, becomes the facilitator for land users. It is, however, the individual land users who physically apply conservation and take care of the natural resources on a voluntary basis.
Click HERE to watch the Steuben County SWCD Story Video
