At the AISWCD annual meeting, the SWCD directors passed a resolution to establish a petition to restore the SWCD Operations funding.
We are seeking to get a minimum of 100 signatures from the supporters of each of the 97 Soil & Water Conservation District, to show deep support in all 102 counties across the state.
You can share this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FundSWCDs with your network online. And ask everyone to pass on the link to 3 friends.
You can also download a paper petition at this link (docx | pdf) and take them to your county fairs, local events and ask your vital stakeholders to sign the petition.
QR code to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FundSWCDs
We want clean water, and healthy soil – restore state funding to Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Illinois’ 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) experienced a substantial funding shortfall in the FY 2025 state budget. SWCD operations funding was reduced by $4 million from $8.5 million in FY 24 to $4.5 million in FY 25. The shortfall will lead to the loss of trained and qualified Soil and Water Conservation District employees which will take years of training to replace. Without sufficient funding, employees, much like unprotected soil, will erode away.
We the undersigned residents of Illinois’ 97 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts from across the State of Illinois do respectfully request FY 25 SWCD operations funding be returned to level funding based on FY 24 funded appropriations.
If you have questions, contact AISWCD President Dale Shumaker or the AISCWD staff.
We will present the signatures (both online and paper) to legislators, the governor, and state officials to show the deep support for SWCD work.
Please remember this is to be a district director-led initiative, staff should not use work time to complete this request. Do not leave on SWCD counter, or in federal offices. Bring the petition to your supporters. Staff may assist during their personal time.
Petitions certainly are common in our contemporary world. They provide a trusted outlet to express opinions, persuading legislators, and, ultimately, influencing the political landscape, as individuals and as part of a group.
Deadline Extended to October 15
On or before Oct. 15 please . . .
Scan petitions – make a PDF so you have supporters’ contact info for the future.
Share – email to Steve Warmowski
Mail – originals to AISWCD, 201 W. Lawrence Ave, Springfield IL 62704
Social Media
Here’s some sample language for sharing on socials . . .
Nutrient loss impacts our water quality, affecting both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) are on the front lines, collaborating with farmers to implement practical, research-based solutions. Through initiatives like the Partners for Conservation Program, SWCDs provide cost-share opportunities for projects that don’t qualify for direct Farm Bill funds. Cover crops, for instance, play a crucial role in reducing nutrient runoff. Let’s protect our environment together. Sign the petition to support sustainable farming practices in Illinois.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) play a pivotal role in accessing federal Inflation Reduction Act funds to bolster on-farm conservation efforts. Farmers want to do more, and they need strong SWCDs to help leverage federal IRA resources. Let’s champion conservation together. Support SWCDs and sign the petition for a greener future.
The Illinois Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program is a game-changer. SWCDs actively promote cover crops as a win-win solution. These crops improve soil health, prevent erosion, and reduce nutrient runoff. By participating in this program, farmers invest in their own success while benefiting the environment. Be part of the change. Sign the petition for a resilient future.
SWCDs are champions of on-farm conservation. They work closely with landowners, providing technical support and guidance. Practices like no-till farming and cover cropping enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and promote sustainable agriculture. By advising farmers on these methods, SWCDs contribute to long-term land preservation. Join us in protecting our soil! Sign the petition today and show your support for Illinois’ 97 SWCDs.
Our soil and water resources are invaluable. SWCDs play a pivotal role in safeguarding them. Through education and outreach, SWCDs help landowners interpret soil data, assess land use suitability, and adopt conservation practices. Their efforts contribute to healthier ecosystems, improved water quality, and resilient farmland. Sign the petition to support SWCDs and their mission.
SWCDs roll up their sleeves to provide technical assistance to farms. Whether it’s controlling soil erosion, stabilizing stream banks, or implementing best practices, SWCDs are there. Their collaboration with agencies like the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service ensures that farmers receive solution-based support. By protecting our farmland, we secure our future. Join the movement. Sign the petition for sustainable agriculture.
You can @Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts and/or your local SWCD
You can hashtag
#conservation #illinoisagriculture #sustainablefarming #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #regenerativefarm #agvocacy #agriculture #farmer #farmersofillinois #sustainability #covercrops #soilhealth #farming #farm #agriculturelife #conservationchampions
Update
Besides online petitions, volunteers have been collecting old-fashioned signatures on paper (which probably carry more weight than digital signatures).
- Immediate Past President and Auxiliary President Tom & Judy Beyers came to the Springfield office to drop off 160 signatures they collected at an Illinois rural electric conference.
- Edwards County Soil & Water Conservation District reported at the start of August they already had 251 paper signatures.
Please share your successes!
