SWCD AREAS OF WORK
Soil and Water Conservation Districts, or SWCDs, are the front line program delivery and service providers for a number of state and federal agencies, and can be considered the mutil-functional tool in the toolbox.
SWCDs work to on various conservation and natural resource subject matters which include;
- Soils
- Water quality and quantity
- Forestry
- Habitat and pollinators
- Land use
- Urban conservation
- Conservation education and outreach
SOILS
SWCDS work to safeguard and promote healthy soils across Illinois, whether they are used for agriculture, forestry, wildlife habitat, or grazing purposes. Soil is the foundation for life, and healthy soils are critical to maintaining food security at home and beyond.
Programs that SWCDs implement or participate in to accomplish desired goals:
- Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program
- S.T.A.R. (Saving Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources) Program
- Partners for Conservation Program
- Mined Land Reclamation Program
- USDA Soil Health Initiative
- USDA Conservation Reserve Program
- USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program
WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY
SWCDs work to improve and protect water resources by providing technical assistance to rural and urban landowners to implement conservation practices that keep soil and contaminants in place, and not in water supplies. SWCDs also work to protect water resources for human and animal consumption, and ensure that adequate supply is maintained.
Programs that SWCDs implement or participate in to accomplish desired goals:
- Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program
- Nutrient Loss Reduction Program
- Cover Crop Program
- Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
- Illinois Water Use Act
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources Water Supply Planning Program
FORESTRY
SWCDs work with resource conservation partners to assist landowners with preserving and enhancing forest resources.
Programs that SWCDs implement or participate in to accomplish desired goals:
- Illinois Forestry Development Act
- Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
- Prescribed Burn Manager Program
HABITAT AND POLLINATORS
SWCDs work with resource conservation partners to assist landowners with creating, restoring and protecting wildlife habitat. Additionally, SWCDs work to create, restore, and enhance pollinator habitat.
Programs that SWCDs implement or participate in to accomplish desired goals:
- The Illinois Monarch Project
- USDA Conservation Reserve Program
- USDA Conservation Stewardship Program
- USDA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
- Illinois Department of Agriculture Apiary Program
- USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program
- Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
LAND USE ASSISTANCE
SWCDs provide numerous entities with assistance relating to land use, which can have implications for the development of lands.
Programs or services that SWCDs provide or participate in to accomplish desired goals:
- Natural Resource Information Reports
- Land Evaluation Site Assessment System
- Agricultural Areas Conservation and Protection Act
- Comprehensive Land Use Planning/Zoning
- Soil Borings/Testing
URBAN CONSERVATION
SWCDs work with urban homeowners, develops, and more on resource conservation issues.
Programs that SWCDs implement or participate in to accomplish desired goals:
- Illinois Urban Manual
- Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program
- Natural Resource Information Reports (site/soils suitability for urban construction)
CONSERVATION EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
SWCDs work with educators, students, news media, and others to provide awareness on the importance of natural resource conservation.
Activities that SWCDs participate in to accomplish desired goals:
- Illinois Envirothon State Competition
- Farm Progress Show
- Illinois State Fair
- Henry White Experimental Farm