About Us
About Our District
Since 1963, the Faribault County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has served the community by coordinating technical and financial assistance for local landowners.
Our Mission
Our mission is to assist the citizens of Faribault County in improving water quality and reducing soil erosion, establishing wildlife habitat, and promoting information and education to ensure continued clean water for future generations and continued productivity of our soil and water.
Our Board
Our five-member, locally elected Board of Supervisors set policies, provide local input and ensure oversight and accountability for the district. Supervisors are elected by nomination district on the general ballot. The SWCD Board meets the second Wednesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Ag Center Conference room, 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.
In addition, Faribault County SWCD and Faribault County have signed a Contract for Services designating the SWCD as the delivery provider for Feedlots, Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS), and the 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 establishing trees and 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.