Our board
Our five-member, locally elected Board of Supervisors set policies, provide local input and insure oversight and accountability for the district. Supervisors are elected by nomination district on the general ballot. The SWCD Board meets the second Monday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the SWCD office, unless otherwise posted.
Our partnerships
Our SWCD works closely with various organizations and agencies to meet the conservation needs of local landowners. Our primary partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Faribault County, and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. Together we are able to leverage local, state and federal resources to put conservation practices on the landscape. Education is a key to our programs.
Faribault County is unique in the fact that the SWCD and county have signed a Contract for Services to implement Planning & Zoning and County Drainage programs within the SWCD office. These programs are under the daily supervision of the Program Administrator. In addition to traditional SWCD programs, the Faribault SWCD also serves as a delivery provider for the Natural Resource Block Grant state programs which include Shoreland, Feedlots, Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS), and Local Water Management Plan.
The SWCD receives funding from State, County and other sources; but operates independent of the county and other governmental entities. The 5 member SWCD Board works jointly with the 5 member County Commissioner Board as outlined in the Contract for Services.
Our assistance
Many of the private landowners who invest their own money in conservation practices appreciate being able to put a face to the people helping them care for their land and water. The SWCD office is the place to ask questions about all phases of conservation, from improving water quality to forestry assistance to establishing wildlife habitat.
Our critical work
Among other things, our district helps:
• provide technical expertise to landowners to identify, apply for, and participate in local, state and federal conservation programs;
• implement farm, urban, lake and forestland conservation practices to protect water quality, soil productivity, and wildlife habitat;
• restore and protect wetlands, which purify water and provide wildlife habitat;
• assist homeowners and communities to plant trees and other vegetation to hold soil in place, clean the air, provide cover for wildlife and beautify neighborhoods;
• guide developers in controlling soil erosion and protecting water resources during construction; and
• reach out to communities and schools to teach the value of natural resources and encourage conservation efforts.
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