Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners may come from all walks of life; all you need is an interest in protecting our natural resources. This year, Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Commissioners will be elected in 100 districts throughout Iowa. These elected officials have been working with voluntary, private land conservation in Iowa since as early as 1939. As a commissioner, you’ll help decide the direction of soil and water conservation programs in Wright County and will have the opportunity to influence state and national conservation programs. Five commissioners, elected in general elections on a non-partisan basis, govern each district. The next general election is Nov. 3, 2020. Commissioners will take the oath of office in January 2021 and this will be a four-year term.

This is a great opportunity to become involved in environmental work at the local level. The SWCD is an effective tool utilized to improve soil and water quality. If you are qualified to vote in a general election, you are eligible to be a candidate for election to the board of the Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). You must reside in Wright County. Up to two commissioners may reside in any one township.

Serving as a commissioner is voluntary but compensation is given for travel to and from monthly meetings. Business trips out of Wright County include travel, meals, and lodging when necessary. Commissioners are expected to take part in regular monthly meetings, become knowledgeable of the SWCD laws and programs, develop and carry out soil and water resource conservation plans, and help direct financial incentive programs. Your involvement will also include activities such as nominating and honoring landowners and/or operators for good conservation stewardship, publishing a district annual report, assisting with adult and youth programs to promote soil and water conservation, assisting in the management of district funds and personnel, soil loss complaints, and establishing acceptable soil loss limits for the county.

If you are interested in serving the Wright SWCD as a commissioner, nomination forms including a petition are available at the Wright County Auditor’s Office or contact the Wright County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Office. At least 25 eligible voters must sign the petition.

For the 2020 General Election, the filing period for candidates to file a nomination form and petition with the Wright County Auditor’s Office in Clarion will go into effect on March 2 and will end at 5 p.m. on March 20.

To obtain more information, contact your local Wright Soil and Water Conservation District at 1133 Central Ave. W in Clarion or call 515-532-2165, ext. 3.