Our daily tasks include delivering state conservation programs to Polk County landowners, delivering Federal Farm Bill conservation programs to Polk Count landowners, assist communities in natural resource management, respond to natural disasters by helping local land owners and state and local governments with clean up and restoration efforts. We also assist in projects of local interest such as conservation easements, environmental education. We also own and manage the Mill Spring Agricultural Center building.

The district board is governed by a five-member board of supervisors, serving four-year terms. Our supervisors are Richard Smith, chair; Frank Smith, vice chair; Hubert McEntyre, secretary/treasurer; Charles Dean Edwards and David Slater. The combined service of the five supervisors is 140 years of experience.

Polk County provides funding for staff and operational costs. The District Board of Supervisors and staff seek out and administer funds needed for putting conservation on the ground in the county. Over the past five years the District has installed over $6 million dollars of soil and water conservation in Polk County.

Persons interested in learning more about how to employ and practice soil and water conservation on their land, farm, homestead or other property, may contact the Soil and Water District Office at the Mill Spring Agricultural Center.

– David Slater, supervisor, Polk County Soil and Water District