The Mower Soil and Water Conservation District has two supervisor positions on its board up for election this fall. Residents interested in area water quality and soil erosion should file by June 3.

“Supervisors play an important role in how our community deals with a wide variety of resource management issues, including wetlands, water quality, soil erosion, and improving and protecting our natural resources.” said Jim Gebhardt, SWCD chairman, in a press release.

SWCDs are special purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs, such as the state Cost-Share Program, Conservation Easement Programs, and tree programs, as well as many state-funded programs and projects. An elected board of supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 90 SWCDs.

Candidates are elected county-wide, but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election. These include District 3, which includes Clayton, Bennington, Lodi and LeRoy townships, and District 4, which includes Lyle, Nevada, Windom, Marshall and Adams townships. SWCD 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 agencies, and legislative priorities. Supervisors do not receive a salary, although they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.