MASWCD is a nonprofit organization which exists to provide leadership and a common voice for Minnesota’s soil and water conservation districts and to maintain a positive, results-oriented relationship with rule making agencies, partners and legislators; expanding education opportunities for the districts so they may carry out effective conservation programs.

The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) represents the soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) of Minnesota.

A Common Voice

MASWCD began in 1952 as a 501 c 3 non-profit corporation.  Information, opinions and ideas received from the SWCDs are collaborated and then relayed to a particular audience or purpose.  In order to best represent and serve Minnesota’s soil and water conservation districts, MASWCD provides:

Information on Conservation Issues

MASWCD provides information to policy makers, key agencies, soil and water conservation district board members and staff.  One way the Association does this is through the Executive Director's monthly Bits of Tidbits e-mail newsletter, through other e-mail communications, and through this web site.

Policy Development

MASWCD provides a forum for local issues and direction for legislative and administrative goals.  An organized resolutions process is utilized for this purpose.

Lobbying Services for Conservation Programs

MASWCD lobbies for funding and programs which conserve and enhance Minnesota’s soil and water resources.  Some of these programs come directly from MASWCD policy development.  (click here for more information on MASWCD legislative efforts)

Coordination of Training for SWCD Personnel

MASWCD provides education and training to SWCD supervisors and staff in everything from administrative to technical to leadership skills.

Conservation Education

MASWCD helps provide soil and water conservation districts with the tools they need to inform and educate the public they serve.  This includes information and materials for educating the youth in their communities.

Annual Meeting and Trade Show

The MASWCD annual meeting and trade show is attended by soil and water conservation district board members  and staff, federal and state agencies, state legislators, members of Congress and conservation organizations.

Strong Leadership Now and Into the Future

SWCDs began forming in the 1930s when Congress responded to the large amount of topsoil being lost to wind and water erosion by enacting the soil conservation act of 1935.  Soil and Water Conservation Districts were developed to involve landowners as well as state and local officials in the programs created by the act.  Local people, elected to their positions, govern the SWCDs and work in cooperation with state and federal conservation agencies.  Funding is provided by county, state and local sources.

In the 21^st Century, SWCDs carry much more responsibility than just soil conservation.  Having become, in many cases, the leading local resource management agency, SWCDs bridge the gap between federal and state authorities, other natural resource management agencies and the local land user.