Who We Are

The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that exists to provide leadership, educational opportunities and a common voice for Minnesota's 88 Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) members.

The organization is led by a board of directors, with representation from each of MASWCD's eight SWCD technical services areas that cover the entire state of Minnesota.

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, donations to MASWCD support the ongoing management and implementation of educational trainings developed to enhance the leadership skills of SWCD employees and supervisors in Minnesota. MASWCD understands that to have a strong organization, a focus on leadership skills must be a priority.

However, building leaders takes hard work and guidance, so MASWCD partnered with many professional trainers including experts at the University of Minnesota Extension to develop leadership initiatives that provide SWCD staff and elected supervisors with the necessary skills to be local leaders in the conservation industry. The overall design is structured to support individual and organizational leadership development and provides an opportunity for participants to apply the skills they learn to current SWCD issues they identify during the program.

Make a donation today to help MASWCD continue providing these essential trainings.

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What We Provide

A Common Voice

MASWCD supports Minnesota's SWCDs by offering informational events and trainings, providing a forum for legislative and administrative goals, and advocating for funding and programs to enhance SWCD's capabilities to conserve our state's natural resources.

Conservation Awareness

MASWCD researches and distributes the most relevant and timely information on Minnesota's conservation issues to policy makers, key agencies and SWCD board members and staff.

Policy Development

MASWCD provides a forum and guidance for SWCDs on local concerns and legislative and administrative goals using an organized resolutions process.

Advocacy & Legislative Outreach for Conservation Programs

MASWCD diligently advocates at the state and federal levels to pursue policies and funding initiatives that will have a positive impact on Minnesota's SWCDs and their capabilities to conserve and enhance Minnesota’s natural resources, with some programs deriving directly from MASWCD policy development.

Member SWCDs receive legislative updates throughout the year and are asked to help keep their legislators informed of their local conservation efforts.

Meetings, Trainings & Events

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, and support for the Minnesota State Envirothon.

Training for SWCD Personnel

MASWCD provides essential education and training to SWCD supervisors and staff that covers everything from administrative and technical training to governance and leadership skills.

MASWCD Annual Convention

The MASWCD Annual Convention is a premier event that draws more than 700 conservation leaders from across the state including SWCD supervisors and staff plus private landowners, farmers, leaders with federal and state agencies, industry professionals, state legislators, members of Congress and conservation organizations.

SWCD Area Meetings

MASWCD supports SWCD area meetings by providing relevant and current conservation issues, local expert speakers, and establishing resolutions and guidelines with Robert's Rules of Order.