What is a Soil & Water Conservation District?

Throughout history, people have relied on natural resources to survive.  Without fertile soils, we would be unable to produce food to nourish our bodies, and of course we all need clean drinking water to live.  In recent history, we have come to rely on our soil and water more than ever before by increasing our population, land development, and trying to find sources of renewable energy.  As our demand on the environment increases, so does our responsibility in caring for our natural resources.  It is our duty to ensure that we utilize these resources in the most responsible manner possible.  By doing so, we are able to create sustainability and ensure that these resources will still be available for future generations.

In Carroll County, after the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, and drought, farmers realized the need to conserve and protect the resources of this county.  In response to the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, the federal government set up the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps to establish a conservation effort and provide employment for young men.  When economics improved, the CCC was abandoned.  However, the country realized that technical assistance in the area of conservation was still needed.  The government agreed to provide this assistance if the people voted in favor of a Soil Conservation District.  On August 15, 1941, the Carroll County Soil Conservation District was formed (now known as the Soil & Water Conservation District or SWCD).

Although the Carroll County SWCD was originally formed to address soil erosion concerns, as time passed, people realized that there was far more conservation work that needed to be done that just minimizing soil erosion.  The Soil Conservation District soon included water conservation in their mission as well as their title.  Today, the Illinois Soil & Water Conservation District Act makes SWCDs responsible for a multitude of efforts including: 

Planning, constructing, operating, and maintaining programs and projects relating to the conservation of the renewable natural resources of soil, water, forests, fish, wildlife, and air in Illinois,

Control and prevention of soil erosion, floods, flood water and sediment damages 

Cooperate with local interest and agencies of government in providing municipal and agricultural water supplies as well as recreational project developments and improvements

Land use planning including zoning uses, sub-division planning, and general land development

The primary goal of the Carroll County SWCD is to inform the public on the wise use of natural resources.  The SWCD also serves as a grassroots organization, providing local citizens the opportunity to influence how conservation programs are developed and delivered.

The Carroll County SWCD is a local unit of government run by a board of directors who are locally elected officials. Currently serving on the board of directors is:  Curt Dambman, Kris Lauritzen, Harlan Brunner, and Tom Block.  Those serving as associate directors are:  Allen Derrer, Brian Witt, and Ed Juracek.  The SWCD currently employs two individuals.  The Resource Conservationist, John Lundquist, provides technical assistance and administers the cost-share programs.  The Administrative Coordinator, Jessica Edwards, administers education and sales programs, as well as attending to the administrative and financial duties of the SWCD.

The Carroll County SWCD Office is located at 807C South Clay St. in Mount Carroll.  Staff members may be contacted by calling (815)244-8732 ext.3.  or sending an email to: carrollcoswcd@gmail.com . Stop by the SWCD Office today & find out what you can do to help ensure that future generations are able to utilize and enjoy the beautiful landscape in Carroll County the way that we do today.

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