The Board of Supervisors around 1970The Jennings County SWCD was organized on May 22, 1950, at the request of county citizens who were interested in soil and water conservation, flood prevention, and land use planning. The SWCD is a legal subdivision of state government, responsible for providing leadership for all conservation development of soil, water, and related natural resources for all of Jennings County. A district constitutes a governmental subdivision of the state and a public body corporate and political exercising public powers (IC 14-32-5).
A board of five supervisors, who are acquainted with the resource needs and problems of the county, manage the SWCD. Landowners of the county elect three of the supervisors and the State Soil Conservation Board appoints two. The SWCD does not have the power to tax or bond, does not have the power of eminent domain, and does not have regulatory power. It cannot replace or duplicate functions of the other local government units. Financing SWCD operations is accomplished through a combination of appropriations from state and local government units, money earned by SWCD activities, and contributions from private sources.
Technical assistance is provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) which provides a District Conservationist. Other specialists are available from NRCS to provide specialized assistance in the fields of wetlands, soils, grazing management, and engineering.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, through the Division of Forestry and the Division of Fish and Wildlife, provides technical assistance to landowners in the county who request help with management of their woodlands or want to improve their land for wildlife.
The SWCD contracts with a private consultant to help landowners, county agencies, and land developers who need assistance with erosion control and drainage problems or need help in complying with state regulations for developing areas.
Our partners are listed on the ►Related Links page.
Jennings County Soil & Water Conservation District