Minnesota citizens interested in influencing natural resources issues at the local level are encouraged to run for supervisor of the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
SWCD supervisor positions are filled through general elections which will take place on November 6, 2018. Those interested in running for Supervisor should file at the County Auditor’s office from May 22 through June 5, 2018.
“An SWCD is a special purpose unit of government comprised of nonpartisan, elected supervisors who are passionate about conserving Minnesota’s remarkable natural resources,” said MASWCD President and Mille Lacs SWCD Supervisor Kurt Beckstrom. “SWCDs focus on building community relationships and collaborate with private landowners to conserve and protect our state’s land and water resources.”
SWCDs are a primary source of conservation information, support, and program management for landowners and other local units of government. They are the technical experts that understand their specific communities’ needs and help landowners navigate conservation programs from start to finish. An elected board of Supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 88 SWCDs.
This year the SWCD has two Supervisor positions up for election. Candidates are elected county wide, but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election. These include the townships of Arendahl, Rushford Village, Norway and Holt in District I and the townships of Sumner, Jordan, Spring Valley (excluding the City of Spring Valley) and Chatfield in District II. Supervisors serve four-year terms.
Supervisors meet monthly to discuss the business of the SWCD, including state grant allocations to landowners, district conservation priorities, coordination with other local units of government and state and federal agencies. Supervisors do not receive a salary, although they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.
Those interested in running for supervisor should file at the County Auditor’s office from May 22 through June 5, 2018. Additional information about the SWCD can be found online at www.fillmoreswcd.org or by calling the office at (507) 765-3878 ext. 3. Contact: Donna Rasmussen, Donna.rasmussen@fillmoreswcd.org, Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District, 900 Washington Street NW, Preston, Minn. 55965.