Think of your district as a hub, where local people bring together technical expertise, funding opportunities, and conservation programs and put them to work in your community.
68
Conservation districts across South Dakota
5
Elected supervisors on each district board
1937
Year South Dakota's first conservation district was formed
HOW IT WORKS
Led by the people who live here
Conservation districts aren't state agencies or political appointees. They're led by local people who understand the needs of their communities and help guide conservation efforts close to home.
Elected on a nonpartisan ballot
Each district is governed by a board of five supervisors, elected at the general election. These aren't political appointees, they're voted in by the community on a nonpartisan ballot.
No tax burden on residents
Districts can't add anything to your tax bill. They cover their costs through services like tree seedling sales, equipment rentals, contributions from counties, and grants. That keeps them focused on helping landowners, not managing bureaucracy.
Decisions made for local needs
Unlike state or federal programs, supervisors set priorities based on what your specific area actually needs, not a one-size-fits-all state mandate. That's by design.
One-stop access to multiple agencies
Many districts share space with the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA). That means one trip to get local conservation help and access to state and federal programs at the same time.
WHAT WE DO
Conservation isn't just for farmers
Districts serve everyone in the county, from row crop operations to city neighborhoods. The challenges look different depending on where you live, but your district connects you to resources either way.
Healthy soil & land
Erosion control, no-till, cover crops, and no-till drill rentals to keep your topsoil in place.
Wildlife & habitat
Habitat restoration, grassland preservation, and pollinator-friendly practices statewide.
Clean water for everyone
Irrigation, nutrient management, wetland protection and restoration across the state.
Financial assistance
Cost-share programs, conservation planning, and connections to the right partners.
Trees & native plants
Tree seedlings, native seeding, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and conservation plantings.
Education & outreach
Workshops, field days, and school programs across South Dakota communities.
AUTHORITY & ACCOUNTABILITY
Grounded in law, accountable to you
Conservation district are official government subdivisions of South Dakota, not advisory groups, not nonprofits. They have real legal duties and real authority to fulfill them.
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South Dakota law spells out what conservation districts can do. These aren't suggestions, they're legal obligations under SDCL 38-8.
Conserve soil and water
Control floods and sediment
Control erosion and pollution
Further the use and development of water resources
Preserve natural resources and wildlife
Protect public lands and the tax base
Promote public health, safety, and general welfare
As official government bodies, district have the authority to act, not just advise.
Make and keep agreements
Districts can sign contracts and are held to the same legal standards as any public organization.
Build long-term conservation plans
For the whole district, so local needs are addressed systematically, not just one project at a time.
Work on public and private land
With the landowner's cooperation, districts can carry out conservation work wherever it's needed.
Accept and manage funding
From private donors and local, state, and federal governments, and put it to work locally.
Enforce erosion and sediment rules
To protect farmland, waterways, and downstream communities from runoff damage.
To take available technical, financial, and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them so that they meet the needs of the local resource users.
- PETE NOWAK, ON THE FUNCTION OF A CONSERVATION DISTRICT
