Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD)

SWCDs are local units of government that manage and direct natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work in both urban and rural settings, with landowners and with other units of government, to carry out a program for the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources.

Local Water Management

Minnesota was stricken by drought conditions that nearly rivaled the infamous drought of the 1930s. That prompted the Legislature to seek ways to better manage the state's water supplies, which led to the enactment of the Comprehensive Local Water Management Act in 1985. The Comprehensive Local Water Management Act allows counties to develop and implement comprehensive local water management plans (county water plans).

Polk County Board of Commissioners delegated East Polk and West Polk SWCDs the responsibility of administering and implementing the Comprehensive Local Water Management Program.

Wetland Conservation Act

Minnesota wetlands are regulated under the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act of 1991. Purpose is to maintain and protect Minnesota's wetlands and the benefits they provide. 

Polk County Board of Commissioners delegated East and West Polk SWCD the responsibility of administration and implementing the Wetland Conservation Act. Minnesota Board of Soil and Resources (BWSR) administers the Act statewide.  MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the enforcement entity. 

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Feedlot Program

Polk County Commissioners appointed East Polk SWCD and West Polk SWCD to administer the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Feedlot Program. Through this delegation, a County Feedlot Officer has been appointed in each District.

Additional Information

Please contact East Polk SWCD – 218-563-277 and/or West Polk SWCD – 218-281-6070 for any questions.