The District is organized under the provisions of MN Stat. Ch. 103C and is governed by a Board of Supervisors composed of five members nominated and voted for by voters and elected to a 4 year term.

The purpose of the District is to assist land occupiers in applying practices for the conservation of soil and water resources.  These practices are intended to control wind and water erosion, pollution of lakes and streams, and damage to wetlands and wildlife habitats.

There are 91 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Minnesota that provide 100% coverage for the state.  Eighty-seven counties have a SWCD office within the county and the other larger counties share offices.

The first SWCD in Minnesota was created in 1938 to try and encourage landowners to conserve soil and water resources.  Statewide, 75% of Minnesota lands are in private ownership.  In agricultural regions, the number is quite often 95%.

SWCDs fill the crucial niche of providing land and water conservation services to owners of private lands.  Managing private lands in a way that promotes a sound economy and sustains and enhances natural resources is key to Minnesota’s environmental health. 

Private landowners trust SWCDs to provide needed technology, funding and educational services because they are established in each community, governed by local leaders and focused on conservation of local soil and water resources.

Landowners across Minnesota count on SWCD technical assistance with conservation practices that protect the quality of Minnesota's greatest treasure - our natural resources.