What is a Soil and Water Conservation District?
Conservation districts are local governmental subdivisions established under state law to carry out a program for the conservation, use and development of soil, water and related resources. Districts are resource management agencies, coordinating and implementing resource and environmental programs at the local level in cooperation with federal and state agencies.
What we do:
The District offers a number of natural resources programs and services, including technical assistance for farmers and landowners, environmental education programs, a Prescribed Grazing program and a Tree & Shrub sale. The main focus of our efforts is on the Agricultural Environmental Management Program, which is a voluntary program that helps farmers address water quality concerns on their entire farms by coordinating technical and financial assistance.
Our Mission:
To promote excellence in the wise use of our rural and urban natural resources.
Our Vision:
To live in a society in which future generations will have natural resources necessary to sustain and enrich their quality of life.
AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based program that helps farmers make common-sense, cost-effective and science-based decisions to help meet business objectives while protecting and conserving the State’s natural resources. Farmers work with local AEM resource professionals to develop comprehensive farm plans using a tiered process: