Jefferson

Soil & Water Conservation District

About Us

Contact Information

Address: 3862 E 300 N Rigby, Idaho 83442

Phone: 208.745.6664 ext.3

Fax: 208.745.0522

E-Mail: amanda.hickman@id.nacdnet.net

History of Soil Conservation Districts

During the 1930s, the Dust Bowl made the need to conserve natural resources, particularly soil, very clear. Agencies ranging from land grant universities to the Federal Emergency Relief Administration researched and implemented conservation practices throughout the nation. Eventually, the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was created under the Soil Conservation Act of 1935 to develop and implement soil erosion control programs.

Sometimes agencies working with conservation ended up competing with each other. Local leadership was needed to help coordinate their efforts and tie them into local conditions and priorities. Because of this, the US Congress developed a model soil conservation district law for consideration by state governments.

In 1939, the state legislature passed an enabling act which established soil conservation districts in Idaho. Soil conservation districts were to direct programs protecting renewable natural resources. Idaho now has 51 soil conservation districts across the state.

Soil Conservation Districts' Mission

Soil Conservation districts develop and implement programs to protect and conserve soil, water, prime and unique farmland, rangeland, forestland, wildlife, energy, and other renewable resources on nonfederal lands. Districts also stabilize local economies and resolve conflicts in land use.