The Kanabec Soil Conservation District was established by a majority vote of the people in the district on August 11, 1950. The Board of Supervisors first met on January 6, 1951. The original Board consisted of:

Charles Bassett

Elmer James

William B. Pearson

John Talley

Peter Wilkins

The name of the District was changed to the Kanabec Soil and Water Conservation District on March 10, 1959. The Onanegozie Resource Conservation and Development Project was formed in 1964 and includes Aitkin, Carlton, Kanabec and Pine Counties.

The Kanabec SWCD was the first district in Minnesota to include villages in the District. The legislature brought all villages into their respective SWCD's in 1971. 

The Kanabec Soil and Water Conservation District is a subdivision of state government, operating under a charter issued by the Secretary of  State in 1944 [sic]. It is governed by a five-member board of supervisors who are responsible for its activities. Supervisors are elected on the day of the regular general election. Incumbants terms terminate on December 31 and successors begin holding office on January 1. Mid-term vacancies are filled by appointment by the Board of Supervisors. Supervisors may serve any number of terms.

The following people have served as supervisors since the district was organized: