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District Initiatives
The conservation of natural resources and the protection of soil and water on private lands are advanced by the Soil and Water Conservation District Initiatives program. Locally-led initiatives prioritize and target sensitive areas by providing funds and resources where they do the most good.
Districts work one-on-one with landowners and operators to deliver conservation programs, increasing Iowa’s participation in both state and federal programs. Identifying critical practices and ways to enhance program alternatives will do more to solve resource problems. Initiative funds are also being used by districts to hire staff to help implement the conservation practices identified in the national Farm Bill.
The Buffer Initiative to accelerate the implementation of the Continuous Sign-up Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP) is an example of the success of this program. With the State of Iowa’s commitment to this program, Iowa leads the nation in buffers protecting our rivers and streams.
The Cooperative Soil Survey
The Cooperative Soil Survey's principal goal is the development, maintenance and application of reliable soil resource information. The value of soil survey information is especially important as we deal with issues such as surface and groundwater quality, crop production efficiency and farm profitability, soil and water conservation, and urban and suburban development. It is the foundation for all land use planning decisions and is required by state law to determine land value and taxation. Current soil survey activities include:
- Systematic update of the state’s oldest soil surveys to raise their quality to current standards of scale, correlation, and interpretation
- Digitization of soil surveys to facilitate their application to current computer technologies
- Technical services applying soil survey information to practical problems of land resource utilization
- Outreach programs to provide soil survey training to local units of government and private vendors to encourage broader utilization of soils information
- Public awareness programs to familiarize individuals with information available from the soil survey
- Support for private sector initiatives such as the Certified Crop Advisor program
Currently, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa State University Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station at Iowa State University and counties partner in supporting the Iowa Cooperative Soil Survey Program.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
The Division provides staff support to all 100 soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) in Iowa. The efforts of these staff support the combined soil and water conservation mission of the SWCD, the State of Iowa, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Each SWCD is unique in the resource conservation problems it addresses and the way it chooses to package and deliver programs to landowners, farm operators, and local communities.
Search SWCD Staff and Commissioners
Become a Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner
SWCD Commissioners make a positive impact on Iowa’s land and people.
How do SWCD Commissioners help and serve?
- Set local priorities for natural resources protection.
- Make decisions that will make their county a better place to live.
- Increase local awareness of natural resource concerns and opportunities.
- Give back to their communities.
What are the main duties of SWCD Commissioners?
- Collaborate with local, state and national partners.
- Work with farmers and urban residents and hold monthly meetings.
- Advocate for soil and water conservation programs, practices and advancements.
- Promote conservation through demonstration, education and outreach.
- Guide technical and financial resources to meet local needs and opportunities.
About Districts and Commissioners
- Districts are organized on a county-wide basis and each is governed by 5 Commissioners.
- Iowa Code 161A empowers Iowa’s Commissioners.
- Commissioners are reimbursed for expenses as local budgets allow but are not paid for their service.
- Commissioners are protected from personal liability.
Steps to Becoming a Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner
Determine eligibility
If you’re eligible to vote in a general election, you’re eligible to be a commissioner. Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District Office to determine your township and if that township is up for election. Iowa law allows two commissioners per township. Visit www.cdiowa.org for the contact information of your local Soil and Water Conservation District Office.
Obtain paperwork and submit by August
A completed, notarized Affidavit of Candidacy & Nomination Petition for Non-Partisan Offices with 25 signatures from residents of your county must be obtained at and returned to your County Court House. Forms are also online at www.cdiowa.org. Banks and county court houses may offer notary services. Appointments and small fees may apply. Forms are due 69 days prior to the general election, August 28, 2024. Paperwork is due to the County Commissioner of Elections no later than 5PM on the 69th day before the general election.
Be a candidate on the general election ballot
In Iowa, a general election is held in November during even-numbered years. This year’s general election is November 5, 2024. Commissioners run as nonpartisan candidates and serve four-year terms. There are no limits to how many terms a commissioner may run.
Share with those in your community
Let family, friends and other residents in your county know you are running for commissioner. Share with them your interest in soil and water conservation and remind them to flip over their ballot and vote for commissioner in your county.
Take your oath as commissioner
If elected, your term will begin on the first day of January that is not a Sunday or holiday following the election. You will attend monthly meetings to execute your duties as a commissioner. Local, state and national partners provide education and support to accomplish these duties.