About
SWCDs are special purpose units of government that manage and direct natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work in both urban and rural settings to carry out a program for the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources.
One crucial niche districts fill is that of providing soil and water conservation services to owners of private lands. Privately owned lands make up 78 percent of the land surface in Minnesota. Managing these private lands, whether agriculture, forest, lakes, or urban, is key to Minnesota's quality of life.
Minnesotans trust SWCDs to provide needed technology, funding and educational services because they are established in each community, governed by local leaders and focused on conservation of local soil and water resources.
Soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) were created and operate under authority of MINN. STAT. 103C. SWCDs are also subject to other state statutes and rules, which govern the conduct and operation of public bodies.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts are funded through a variety of sources. Many of their program administration dollars and funding for landowner projects are state dollars allocated by the legislature and passed-through the State Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). General operating funds are obtained from BWSR, counties, fees for service and grants or partnership agreements with the federal government or other conservation organizations.
The Renville County SWCD office is located at 1008 W. Lincoln Ave, Olivia, MN 56277.
Hours of operation:
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Contact us at: (320) 523-1559