Minnesota’s natural resources play an important role in the state’s economy and its citizens’ quality of life.

Monday, June 26, 2000

Minnesota’s natural resources play an important role in the state’s economy and its citizens’ quality of life. Therefore, protecting and managing those natural resources is an important responsibility.

Citizens interested in leading those efforts are encouraged to run for supervisor of their local soil and water conservation district, or SWCD.

SWCD supervisor positions are filled through general elections on Nov. 7.

This year, the following terms expire: Jim Gebhardt, District No. 1: Udolpho, Waltham, Sargeant, Red Rock and Dexter townships; Allan Oehlke, District No. 2, Pleasant Valley, Racine, Grand Meadow and Frankford townships; and Bob Goetz, District No. 5, Lansing and Austin townships.

Individuals who wish to be on the ballot must file for the election between July 5 and 18 at the Mower County auditor’s office.

Any citizen of legal voting age residing in the nomination district in which a vacancy exists is eligible for election. Interested citizens should file a Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy (available from the county auditor) along with a $20 filing fee

"Serving as SWCD supervisor is not only a meaningful way to impact the environment, it’s a great way to get involved in local government and get a taste for public office," said Ron Harnack, executive director of the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, the state’s administrative agency that oversees SWCDs.

SWCDs are units of local govern that manage and direct natural resource management programs. Minnesota’s 91 SWCDs cover the entire state and generally follow county lines.

Each SWCD is divided into five districts with one supervisor elected to each district.

Because SWCD supervisor terms are staggered, at least two of the five positions in each district will be up for re-election this year.

SWCD) supervisors have three main responsibilities during their four-year terms: setting overall policy and long-term objectives for their district; developing their district’s annual and comprehensive plans; and working with SWCD staff to see that policies and plans are implemented.

SWCD supervisors are not paid. They receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.

For more information about SWCD supervisor positions or filing for the election, contact Bev Nordby at the Mower County SWCD at 434-2603.