About SWCDs

The purpose of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) is to conserve soil, water, and related natural resources on private land.

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Statewide, 75% of Minnesota lands are in private ownership. In agricultural regions, the number is quite often 95%. Managing these private lands, whether agriculture, forest, lakes, or urban, is key to Minnesota's quality of life. 

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

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OVERVIEW

SWCDs began forming in the 1930s when Congress responded to the large amount of topsoil being lost to wind and water erosion (a.k.a. the 'dust bowl') and enacted the soil conservation act of 1935. SWCDs were developed to involve landowners as well as state and local officials in the programs created by the act. 

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Today, SWCDs carry much more responsibility than just soil conservation. They are, in many cases, the leading local agency that bridges the gap between federal and state authorities, other natural resource management agencies and the local land user.​​​​