What is an SWCD?

SWCD stands for Soil and Water Conservation District. SWCDs were established by the State Statue in the 1930’s following conservation concerns from the Dust Bowl. In Illinois there are 98 Soil & Water Conservation Districts that represent all 102 counties. They work alongside other agencies such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and other state and local governing bodies to conserve natural resources. This conservation work can come in the form of educational outreach, cost-share programs, or other programs that promote conservation such as the S.T.A.R. program.

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Boone County SWCD

Boone County’s SWCD was established on January 8, 1942, and has been conserving the county’s natural resources ever since. It, like all other SWCDs, is governed by a locally elected five person board and is a local unit of government. Elections happen in the spring, and all residents of legal voting age can participate. Check back in the spring to see how to get involved.

This district relies on a number of different revenue sources, most of it coming in the form of grant money. Some of these sources include the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Boone County. The remaining funds come from our fee-based services. The Boone County Soil and Water Conservation District is a non-profit entity that welcomes and accepts donations for programs provided to the public.