Your board of district supervisors have been elected to represent your interests on use and protection of land and water resources in this county.

District supervisors prepare operating budgets and annual work plans, and oversee state and local cost-share programs for conservation practices addressing county resource needs.

You can become part of this local conservation team. Filing for SWCD supervisor is open from  May 21, 2024 until June 4, 2024 at 5:00 PM. 

Call your SWCD for details. 

Kanabec SWCD
(320) 679-1391
2008 Mahogany Street, Suite 3, Mora, MN 55051

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Soil & Water Conservation Districts are special purpose units of government that manage natural resource programs. Minnesota’s 90 SWCDs cover the entire state; their boundaries usually coincide with the county lines. Each SWCD is run by a board of five elected Supervisors.

To be a Supervisor you need:

Knowledge

Supervisors must have, or be willing to learn, some basic knowledge to effectively carry out their responsibilities. They are encouraged to understand:

• Some of the fundamentals about the environment and know how it works;
• The relationship between land use decisions and the environment;
• The effect environmental decisions have on other aspects of our lives; and
• Local concerns, attitudes, and needs.

Concern

Supervisors must be concerned about:

• Our environment and natural resources;
• Maintaining and improving water quality; and
• Protecting our soils

Leadership

Supervisors are encouraged to take an active leadership role in the community. This can involve:

• Setting local conservation priorities;
• Education friends and neighbors about the environment;
• Working with other local government units, state and federal agencies, and other elected officials;
• Setting a positive example;
• Taking unpopular stands;
• Sets policy for the common good;
• Balancing economic needs with environmental concerns; and
• Sacrificing short-term gains for long-term benefits.

Time & Accountability

Supervisors must be able to commit time for regular meetings and assigned committee meetings, including:

• Designating time for regular monthly board meetings (meeting time/dates may be adjusted for attendance of the majority);
• Reviewing board packets prior to meetings to be prepared for voting/discussion; and
• Allocating a time budget of ~10 hours per month for time commitment, depending on the number of committees for which you represent the SWCD.