What are Conservation Districts ?
The Nation that destroys its soil destroys itself” was the warning issued in 1937 by President Roosevelt when he signed legislation authorizing the creation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. At that time, the nation was facing a monumental task of protecting our soil and water from the ravages of improper use that resulted in the “Dust Bowl” era. The Federal Government realized it could only solve the problem through strong local involvement and participation. Local people had to be a major part of the solution, which is why Soil and Water Conservation Districts were formed.
Mission Statement
The Southern Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation District is a legal subdivision of state government, responsible under state law for conservation work within its boundaries. Our mission is: to focus attention on conserving land, water and related resources; to develop programs to solve natural resource problems; to enlist and coordinate help from all public and private sources that can contribute to accomplishing the district’s mission; and to educate the public – all ages - in the preservation of natural resources by increasing awareness of the interrelationship between human activities and the natural environment. The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District receives a small donation from the State of Maine each year with the majority of our operating funds being provided by grants from such agencies as the EPA, the US Forestry Service, and the US Department of Agriculture. These grants allow the district to employ staff to carry out our mission. We also work in a unique cooperative partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, which provides strong technical expertise, and state and local partners to the District. The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District is managed by a small board of unpaid citizens who know local problems. This board is comprised of five supervisors (two appointed and three elected). The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District develops its own programs to best suit the environmental needs of the county’s residents as well as the area’s resources. Common concerns include: developing conservation plans for landowners; water quality and supply; timber management; installing conservation practices; wildlife management; conservation education; preservation of agricultural land; establishing priorities for agency efforts; publicity; legislation; recognition of volunteer efforts; educational efforts such as exhibits, tours and environmental contests; erosion and sedimentation inspection activities; erosion and sedimentation plan reviews; watershed management; and natural resource surveys and inventories. Much of the Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District’s effectiveness is due to our ability to work with local, state and federal agencies to solve local environmental problems.
Benefits of District Programs
Provide local hands-on training on natural resource issues.
Teach the value of natural resources directly to local people.
Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation Program Highlights
The Southern Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District has been involved in a number of project over the past year, check out our District Report to see what we have been up too.