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About Us |
Conservation Districts of Iowa, CDI, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization devoted to providing educational programs on the conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources. Please click on topic listed below that you would like to review:
In 1937, as the Dust Bowl focused attention on soil erosion, President Roosevelt sent a model law to governors recommending legislation that would allow landowners to form voluntary soil conservation districts. It was recognized then, as now, that local, voluntary efforts are most effective in getting conservation practices established on the land. The legislation was adopted by Iowa's legislature in 1939 and the first conservation district was formed in three Marion County townships in April 1940. By 1952, all of the land in Iowa was served by Conservation Districts. Since that time, CDI has been working with the 100 soil and water conservation districts in Iowa to promote sustainable agricultural practices for the protection of soil and water resources. Today, work is also being done in urban settings, promoting conservation practices for homeowners, developers, and communities. How Conservation Districts Work Conservation Districts in Iowa are managed by five commissioners elected on the general ballot in each county. Each of the five commissioners serve four-year terms and only one commissioner may reside in any single township. With assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship-Division of Soil Conservation, commissioners address the natural resource issues that are most critical in their districts. Soil and water conservation districts are legal subdivisions of state government. Commissioners are responsible for carrying out state laws and programs within district boundaries. These include:
Districts also play a key role in carrying out federal programs including, but not limited to:
Districts serve as local sponsors for watershed projects, resource conservation and development areas, and soil surveys as well. How to Become a Soil and Water Conservation Commissioner If you are an eligible elector residing in the soil and water conservation district, you're eligible to be a candidate for election to your county's SWCD board. You will need a nominating petition from the county Auditor. At least 25 eligible voters must sign the petition and you must file it with the Auditor no later than the 69th day before the general election. You must also file an affidavit stating your name, residence and an assurance that you are an eligible candidate. No political party is designated. If elected, you will take an oath of office and begin your four-term on the first business day in January following the election (that is not a Sunday or a holiday). Districts offer services without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, political beliefs or marital status. Studies have shown that where minorities and/or women are represented on boards in proportion to their presence in the area, program participation by these groups increased. District boards are seeking more diversity in their representation. To help broaden interest in district programs and to bring different perspectives to district boards, districts encourage members from those groups to consider serving as a soil and water conservation district commissioner. The major criteria for being a successful commissioner is an interest in the natural resources and the people of Iowa. As a commissioner, your role will include establishing conservation priorities, resolving soil loss complaints, establishing acceptable soil loss limits, publishing an annual report, approving soil conservation plans, and assisting in the management of district funds and personnel. A commissioner is a volunteer conservation promoter in the community, who helps direct activities such as field days, educational meetings and materials, contests, awards programs, and publicity.
To see a list of the Regional Directors in a particular region, please click on that region (1-9) on the map above. Officers and Staff are listed below:
Tim Palmer, President Email Jim Frederick, Vice President Email Rick Juchems, Past President Email Lorna Troester, Secretary Email Jim Gevock, Treasurer Email Staff Darrell Weems, Interim Executive Director PO Box 367 2010 Directors and Alternate Directors Region 1: Region 2: Region 3: Region 4: Region 5: Region 6: Region 7: Region 8: Region 9: |
