There Is Work For Everyone

An SWCD may enlist help from any source available other than what has already been mentioned. For example, newspapers, magazines, radio stations, schools, churches, civic clubs, garden clubs, business firms and other organizations can render valuable assistance to the conservation district in their community.

By contacting the local district, these groups can find out what services they can provide that will assist the conservation efforts within the SWCD.

An Annual Plan Of Operation

Goals of the district are not all accomplished in one year. In addition to preparing its long-range program and plan of work, an SWCD usually makes a plan of action called an annual plan of operation. The plan establishes reasonable goals and objectives which the district intends to accomplish during the year.

In preparing this annual land of operation, the directors call in agricultural agencies, groups of farmers, businessmen, school officials and anyone else in the district interested in soil and water conservation. The district's goal for the coming year is explained and each person is asked what they will do to help reach this goal. The agreements reached at this meeting are arranged according to the time and place the jobs are to be completed and who agrees to do them.

A Complete, Coordinated Conservation Plan

By contacting the directors of the soil and water conservation district, a farmer or rancher can get assistance on all phases of conservation.

A wheat farmer on the High Plains can get help in solving a specific wind erosion problem. A rancher can get information on how to manage grasses on his rangeland. A woodland owner can get help to develop a management and conservation plan on timberland, and a vegetable grower in the Rio Grande Valley finds no problem in getting up-to-date information on irrigation. At the same time, a cotton farmer in Central Texas can solve specific erosion problems with current information supplied through an SWCD.

This is the basic concept of an SWCD. Districts are designed to deliver a local program, based on local needs, that best conserves and promotes the wise and judicious use of our renewable natural resources.

Individual Initiative Is The Key

Soil and water conservation districts do not aim toward power. They work to bring about the widespread understanding of the needs of soil and water conservation. In addition, they work to activate the efforts of public and private organizations and agencies into a united front to combat soil and water erosion and to enhance water quality and quantity in the state.

It is the purpose of SWCDs to instill in the minds of local people that it is their individual responsibility to do the job of soil and water conservation. SWCDs receive assistance from many sources. But with all this help, farmers, ranchers, communities and other individuals must exercise a voluntary initiative in applying a conservation program compatible with their own objectives.