Individuals concerned about water quality and soil erosion in Mower County can file by June 5 to run for one of the three supervisor of the Mower Soil and Water Conservation District positions up for election.

“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 flood reduction,” said Bev Nordby, district manager with Mower SWCD. “Serving as a supervisor is a terrific opportunity for people who want a voice in how we manage our environment.”

Supervisors Jon Erichson, Jim Gebhardt, and Rick Gehling are all up for election and will rerun.

SWCDs are special-purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs, such as the state Cost-Share Program and the implementation of conservation practices. An elected board of supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 90 SWCDs.

SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election, which takes place Nov. 6. Candidates are elected county-wide but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election, including townships of Pleasant Valley, Racine, Grand Meadow, Frankfort, Sargeant, Dexter, Red Rock, Waltham, Udolpho, Lansing or Austin. All municipalities are also a part of the district, including Austin. 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 don’t receive a salary; although, they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.

Those interested may file at the County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office from May 22 through June 5. Additional information about the SWCD can be found at mowerswcd.org or by calling the office at 507-434-2603.